Glendon Mature Student Organization

Tri-University Games Night

2009-10-06T16:22:00.001-04:00

Tri-University Games Night

Join the mature students from York U, U of T and Ryerson for an evening of classic games! Test out your old skills at Operation, Connect 4, Frustration, Perfection, Battle Ship, Kerplunk and more!

When: Saturday, October 17, 2009

Time: 7 pm onward

Where: The Fox and Fiddle

280 Bloor St West, Toronto, M5S 3B6 - (416) 966-4369

Between Spadina Ave. & St. George St.

Leigh Sanger
2nd Officer, SCRC 383
VP Glendon, YUMSO, York University

Financial and Academic Help Due to Strike & Cross-Campus Social Event

2009-03-02T12:07:00.002-05:00

Greetings GMSO Members,

Cross-Campus Social Event

I am pleased to invite you to the first Cross-Campus Mature Student Social. On Friday March 6th starting at 5pm, mature students from Keele and Glendon campuses will convene in the Glendon Art Gallery (located in Glendon Hall) for a light dinner and mingling and then head down to the Bloor Cinema for 7:00pm (at Bloor and Bathurst) to watch Oscar Nominated Animated Shorts. After the show everyone is welcome to continue the mingling over coffee and treats right next door at the Aroma Expresso Bar or just down the street at Future’s Bakery.

Both the meal and movie are free, unfortunately parking and treats are not (sorry but the budget is only so big). Please R.S.V.P. to maturestudentorganization@gmail.com as soon as possible but no later than March 4th. Tickets are limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Guests are welcome to join for the cost of dinner and the movie.

Additional OSAP Funding for Extended Academic Year

1. For those of us receiving OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program), the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) has announced additional financial assistance opportunities, a helpful link is now available through York U’s Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS): http://www.yorku.ca/osfs/addassist.shtml

Students who are experiencing financial hardship due to the extension of the Fall/Winter 2008-2009 Session can apply for financial assistance through the York University Hardship Bursary and the York University Undergraduate Bursary Program.

Tuition Credit for Dropped Courses

Thinking of dropping a course? According to York’s Back to Class website; if you need to take a pause in your studies either entirely or in part and yet wish to return in the winter, summer and/or fall/winter sessions, consider applying for the Tuition Credit Opportunity. What is this? It’s an opportunity to remain at York or return to York with a schedule that is revised in accordance with your immediate needs and yet not be financially penalized in the process. Once you follow the steps below, the University will hold onto your tuition and credit it towards your future winter, summer or fall/winter balance. You do not need to demonstrate financial need to take advantage of this opportunity.

Note: To be eligible; your F and Y tuition fees must be paid in full by March 1st, 2009. Please read the special notes carefully.

No additional Costs for Residence

There was also a recent media release about additional financial measures available including “an extension of housing in residence to the end of the academic year, with no additional cost for accommodation”. Glendon housing has released the following FAQ. If you have any other questions regarding residence please contact the housing department at: Glendon Campus Residences
Glendon Housing, Glendon Greenhouse
2275 Bayview Ave.
Toronto, ON M4N 3M6
Tel: 416-487-6844
Email: glendon@yorku.ca

I look forward to seeing you on Friday, March 6th (don't forget to RSVP). In the meantime, I wish you all the best in your studies.

Volunteers Needed for International Conference at York

2009-02-13T17:30:00.000-05:00

I was asked to pass this message on...

PLEASE DISSEMINATE WIDELY

We are looking for volunteers for the conference “Rethinking Extractive
Industries”, which is taking place 5 – 7 March 2009 at York University.

The conference will deal with issues of sustainable human development,
community rights, corporate social responsibility, and international
civil society networking – among other issues – as these relate to
mining and petroleum activities in Canada, Africa, Latin America and
elsewhere.

The program is ambitious, participants are coming from across the globe,
and we need your help to make it all happen.

We need volunteers who can help us with:
- running the conference registration and information tables
- interpretation (English to Spanish)
- guiding conference participants to venues; running errands; setting up
and taking down tables, signs, equipment, etc.
- billeting out-of-town visitors
- postering (on campus, around town)

Volunteers will enjoy being part of a bustling, international event;
will be able to attend conference activities free of charge; and will
have the opportunity to meet and host our visitors from around the world.

For more information on the conference, see:
http://www.yorku.ca/cerlac/ei-conf.htm

Please contact: eiconf@yorku.ca
Subject line: Volunteer
And please include in the message in what capacity you would like to
volunteer, days & times of availability, contact info.

Thank you – we look forward to hearing from you.

The Organizing Committee
Rethinking Extractive Industry Conference

Exam Prep Sessions

2009-02-13T09:50:00.002-05:00

Good morning Mature and Part-time Students, this email is a friendly reminder of the upcoming Exam Strategy Drop-In Workshops next week at ACMAPS (Keele Campus):

***REMINDER***

In the lead-up to the exam period, ACMAPS is offering a series of small-group exam strategy drop-in workshops. The workshops will begin with a short presentation emphasizing key strategies that will help you pull together course content from before the strike with material covered in the remediated fall term. Then, we'll provide some individual attention and feedback on your study strategies. All you need to do is show up, bring the materials (syllabus, text, and notes) from one of your courses, and be ready to explore proven approaches to learning.

Sessions will take place in the ACMAPS office, Rm 111 Central Square as follows:

1. Tuesday, February 17th from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
2. Tuesday, February 17th from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
3. Wednesday, February 18th from 12 Noon - 1:30 p.m.
4. Thursday, February 19th from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
5. Thursday, February 19th from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Registration is required. Please email acmaps@yorku.ca to register.

*********

Unfortunately, all sessions at Glendon have been held already. Check back here often for updates.

What is to come!

2009-02-05T17:09:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

We had 10 new members sign up during the Information Session in the cafeteria yesterday. I'd like to give a warm welcome to these our newest members of the Glendon Mature Student Organization.

First, here are a few links that may help you get situated after the strike: York's Back to Class Page includes many links to important information and ACMAPS "Back to the Books" sessions are available for viewing online.

Second, you are invited to the first Brown Bag Lunch of 2009. We will meet Wednesday, February 11th in the club's room (across from the GCSU in the breezeway of the B Wing) between 11-1pm. Everyone is welcome to stop in whether it be before or after a class so bring your lunch and let's get together to discuss future events.

Third, this is a reminder that Food4Thought (on campus food bank) is an essential service to many students. All are welcome to use this service, including students who have finished their meal plan or members of the community looking for healthy food options. It is located in room D124 of Hilliard Residence, if the office is closed please visit the security office where a staff member will be able to provide you with assistance. I encourage you to make a donation or draw on the service.

Forth, with the exam period starting in less than 3 weeks I would like your input ASAP as to a suitable time to hold Exam Prep Workshops. Please fill out the following poll and tell me which session next week fits best in your schedule. If there is a large demand or schedules don't overlap the Counselling Centre has agreed to hold a second session.

Finally, Louise Lewin (Associate-Principal) originally asked if Mature Students would be interested to have a Reflection Meeting with her before the Winter holidays. The open forum would have been to discuss how we were getting along in our studies. Instead of canceling this event all together I decided to postpone it as I think it is important for us to voice our opinions and especially to a receptive administrator. I will speak to Louise more this week to work with her schedule. Perhaps we could combine the Exam Prep Workshop, Reflection Meeting and Lunch together (I have a small budget for food for this event as well).

Naturally, I feel anxious but I am also glad we are back to school and moving forward. I look forward to seeing you soon. Please check out the new Discussion Forum and feel free to start a post on any subject that interests you. Don't forget to check back here often for up-to-date information, links and calendar of events.

The Strike has come to an End!!!!!!

2009-01-29T23:36:00.005-05:00

With Royal Assent passed today on Back-to-Work Legislation and the Senate's Declaration classes will resume Monday, February 2, 2009. For more information check out the University's Strike Page and the YFile Bulletin.

There are many things happening at both campuses to help with the smooth return to classes. Most notably are the all day Open House at Glendon and the Back to the Books Seminars at Keele. If you have any questions regarding remediation at Glendon there is an email address available to help: aparhelp@glendon.yorku.ca

'Le retour... the next steps' Open House at Glendon will be held in the Dining Hall. It will take place next Tuesday, February 3rd, between 10:00 and 3:00. Representatives of all the departments, academic advising, Student Services, Counseling and Career, and students clubs and associations, will be there to answer your questions. I will be there to welcome people back. If you would like to volunteer some time Tuesday, I could use some help as I have class from 12-3. You would simply be there to hand out contact information and maybe make a new friend. If you are interested please email me leigh.sanger@gmail.com.

Back to the Books information sessions are available online and will be held Friday January 30th, 2009 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. in Vari Hall "A". [Please note that an overflow session will be held immediately following this session, commencing at 2:30 p.m., should demand for the session exceed room capacity.] AND Repeat session: Saturday, January 31st, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Vari Hall "A".

Rallies

2009-01-26T17:21:00.001-05:00

While I do have a personal opinion, naturally, I think it best to give the most neutral position I can because not everyone thinks like me. So anyways, if you are interested in rallying there are two this week. One for Back-to-Work Legislation and one against.

Say No to Back to Work Legislation Rally
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm

Anti-Strike Group Rally at Queens Park
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm

I hope you make your voices heard, in what ever ways you can. And don't forget, the letter writing campaign is still in full swing. You can send your letters to me (leigh.sanger@gmail.com) and I promise to keep them confidential or you are encouraged to send them directly to the Union (3903hq@gmail.com) and Brian Poser of ACMAPS (bposer@yorku.ca) who will ensure they are read by Sheila Embleton VP Academics.

Back to Class if Legislation is passed

2009-01-26T10:13:00.001-05:00

Dear Mature and Part-time Students,

As you may know, a bill has been introduced in the Ontario Legislature
that, if passed, would mean an end to the CUPE 3903 strike.

The University has issued the following timetable for return to
classes if legislation is passed.

For details, click on: http://www.yorku.ca/yfile/archive/index.asp?Article=11911

Brian R. Poser, BA, MEd
Associate Director
Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students
111 Central Square
4700 Keele St.
Toronto, ON. Canada M3J 1P3
Tel 416 736 5770 Fax 416 736 5787
bposer@yorku.ca

Have your side of the story heard!

2009-01-21T13:40:00.003-05:00

Like you, I am a student and like you, I am a mature student. The decision to come back to school and leave the working world did not come easily. It meant making sacrifices in hopes of a better future. This strike has affected my family immensely and I find it hard to sit back and watch the news and websites for hope. I want to do something, anything; I want someone to listen to my side of the arguments. As a single mother, I have a responsibility to my daughter beyond all else and don’t feel I can afford to band together with other students to demonstrate. So, what do I do? What can you do? As a representative of mature students across the university I have listened to the far reaching implications this strike has/will have on fellow mature students and their families. I would like to offer you a place where your voice can be heard.

Brian Poser, Associate Director of ACMAPS (Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part Time Students) has offered to bring our stories to the Vice-President Academic who sits on the Senate Executive Committee. I encourage you to write a sincere letter about how your life has been affected. I can’t promise that anything more will come of it but at least we have a peaceful and respectful manner in which someone promises to listen.

Originally, I was interested in sending my letter to both the University and the Union as I feel that both sides should know how their actions are affecting my life. Unfortunately, I do not have a contact in the Union at this time. If anyone knows someone in the Union that would be receptive, please contact me.

You can send your letters either to me by email (I’d love to hear your story too) or send them directly to Brian Poser. I certainly don’t wish to impose a deadline; however, swiftness is to the benefit of us all. The more voices they hear at this point in time the more likely our positions will be taken into account. I recommend having the letters in by Monday, yet as the saying goes, “its better late than never.”

I truly hope you will take this opportunity to think about your situation and write a constructive letter. I wish you and your loved ones all the best during this challenging time and the future to come.

Sincerely,

Leigh Sanger – VP Glendon, YUMSO
maturestudentorganization@gmail.com

To send letters to Brian Poser @ ACMAPS
Email: bposer@yorku.ca
Drop-off: 111 Central Square

Links for Financial Assistance due to strike

2009-01-20T22:10:00.001-05:00

Check here for both the Student Hardship Bursary and the York University Undergraduate Bursary - Request for Additional Financial Assistance (due March 13, 2009). Also check out the YFS Strike Relief Fund (due 5pm January 30, 2009).

Are we going back to school?

2009-01-20T21:08:00.009-05:00

The votes are tallied and the answer is NO, not yet.

Check here to read what the University had to say.

Check here to read what the Union had to say.

Check here to read what YorkNotHostage (largest anti-strike student group) had to say. 56% of students polled on the YorkNotHostage website say that they think they are depressed. Is it any wonder?

York Community Forum following Senate Executive Meeting

2009-01-20T16:10:00.002-05:00

http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/senate/agenda/2008-2009/090122.html

The meeting will be followed by an informal community forum moderated by the Chair of Senate.

Notice of Meeting

to be held at 3:00 pm. on Thursday, January 22, 2009
in the Senate Chamber, N940 Ross Building OR
at the York Woods Library Theatre, 1785 Finch Ave. West, North York

NOTE: The location of the meeting will be confirmed in advance by e-mail and on the Senate Website.

Agenda

1. Chair's Remarks

2. Minutes of the Meeting of December 11, 2008

3. Business Arising From the Minutes

4. Inquiries and Communications

5. President's Items

6. Committee Reports
6.1 Executive
6.2 Curriculum and Academic Standards
6.2.1 Establishment of a Master of Arts and PhD Program in Health, Faculty of Graduate Studies
6.3 Admissions, Recruitment and Student Assistance
6.3.1 Pilot Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Post-RN IEN BScN

7.Other Business

Consent Agenda Items
Establishment of General Education Requirements, Health
Establishment of Bachelor of Arts Degree Framework and Academic Standards, Policies, Rules and Regulations, Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
Change in Degree Designation from LLB (Bachelor of Laws) to JD (Juris Doctor) Osgoode Hall Law School
Establishment of an Honours Major/Minor Direct Entry Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree Program and Changes to Degree Requirements, BSW, Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
Establishment of Certificate of Trilingual Excellence (English, French and Spanish); and Changes to Certificate of Bilingual Excellence Requirements (English and French), Glendon
Revisions to Glendon College Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree offerings, Glendon College;
Closure of Specialized Honours BSc Program in Chemistry: Atmospheric Chemistry Stream and Honours Double Major BSc Program in Chemistry and Earth and Atmospheric Science: Atmospheric Chemistry Stream
Change of Certificate Name from ‘Proficiency Certificate in Technical and Professional Writing’ to ‘Certificate in Technical and Professional Communication’ and Changes to the Certificate Requirements, Glendon
Changes to the Chemistry Specialized Honours BSc and Honours BSc Degree Program Requirements, Faculty of Science and Engineering

H. Lewis, Secretary

Reorientation 2009

2009-01-20T16:06:00.001-05:00

Jan 21, 2009, 10-11:30am

The Office of the Master in Winters College and the Office of the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts invite you to an information session for all students about issues concerning the strike.

We plan to have a panel of faculty and college representatives to answer all your questions and concerns about the strike and the resumption of our academic year.

Present will be:

Barbara Sellers-Young, dean, Faculty of Fine Arts
Belarie Zatzman, associate dean, Faculty of Fine Arts
Marie Rickard, master, Winters College
Paul Swarney, academic Adviser, Winters College
Ashley Grenville, residence life coordinator, Winters College
The Reorientation 2009 session will take place Jan. 21 from 10 to 11:30am in the Winters Dining Hall, Winters College.

IMPORTANT: This session will take place whether or not the strike has been settled. All students and members of the York community are welcome to attend.

Please RSVP to wcmaster@yorku.ca with "Reorientation" in the subject line.

"Back to the Books" Information Sessions for Students

2009-01-19T09:03:00.001-05:00

***Sent on behalf of Brian Poser, Associate Director, Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students***

Dear Students,

As you may already know, the University has initiated a supervised vote of its latest contract offer in an effort to end the current CUPE 3903 strike. This vote will take place on Monday, January 19th and Tuesday, January 20th. We anticipate the results of the vote promptly after the conclusion of voting, late Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning.

In hopes that the vote will bring an end to the strike, staff at the Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students (ACMAPS) are making preparations to host student information sessions, entitled "Back to the Books," to take place on campus immediately following the conclusion of the strike and before classes resume. The 90 minute information sessions will review up-to-date details on adjustments to the academic year from the Executive Committee of Senate, provide opportunity for Q&A, and share some reminders and tips about how you can resume your studies successfully.

Preliminary arrangements are to hold 2 identical sessions, open to all students, on the weekday preceding the resumption of classes as follows:

1) 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Vari Hall "A" (Note: an "overflow" session will be held at 2:30 p.m. to accommodate students if this first session fills.)
2) 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Vari Hall "A"

The date of these sessions can only be finalized after an announcement from Senate stating that classes will resume. Check the ACMAPS web site at www.yorku.ca/acmaps/events.html shortly after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21 for any new information that is released following the Monday and Tuesday vote. We will continue to update our web site with new information as it becomes available.

Please circulate this information widely and direct any questions you may have concerning "Back to the Books" to acmaps@yorku.ca

Sincerely,
Brian

Brian R. Poser, BA, MEd
Associate Director
Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students
111 Central Square
4700 Keele St.
Toronto, ON. Canada M3J 1P3
Tel 416 736 5770 Fax 416 736 5787
bposer@yorku.ca

Deans Message Regarding the University's Offer

2009-01-15T23:52:00.001-05:00

I received an email today describing the stance that the Deans at York are taking regarding the University's offer, click here to read it.

Vanier Information Session

2009-01-14T18:38:00.003-05:00

I'm sorry I didn't post this earlier. Vanier Held an information session to discuss the impact the strike is having on students and how remediation will be dealt with once the strike is over.

Present were Joanne Duklas from the Registrars Office and Student Financial Services (Senate Executive Member), Norma-Sue Fisher-Stitt - Associate Vice-Principal Academics, Rod Webb - Associate Vice-Principal Academics, Ian Greene - Master MacLaughlin College (Senate Executive Member).

Here's a bit of what they had to say:

At this juncture, Fall courses will total 13days (including those held in Sept-Oct) plus a 12 day exam period, which will continue once the strike is over. Immediately following will be the Winter term which will also be comprised of 13 days of instruction and an exam period. If the strike continues beyond next Thursday (i.e. a majority No vote from CUPE 3903 members) Senate will meet to discuss the effects on Fall/Winter and Summer courses. Everything is being done to keep spring graduation on time and grades will be released incrementally.

Information Sessions will be held from 1-2:30pm (with the possibility of additional session if needed) the day before classes resume. These sessions are called Back to the Books and are to help students return to study mode, understand how classes will be rearranged as well as Q & A periods. Since there will be only 24 hours notice following the Senate Declaration and the start of class we are encouraged to keep a close eye on the Current Students webpage for updates.

There are bursaries available through financial services for those experiencing financial hardship on an individual basis. Make sure your Personal Financial Profile is up-to-date and contact Joanne Duklas for more information.

There was a great deal of discussion around the grading of papers and how we will be assessed. We will not be responsible for all information originally assigned but just the essential elements. We will find out about the adjustments to curriculum on the first day back to class. No assignments will be due back on the first day. It boils down to communication between the student and professor. Faculty have been asked to give options for grading schemes. Any student can opt to follow what was laid out in the original syllabus for the class. Deferred standing is available to anyone who feels they need it. Speak to your professor directly. If you experience resistance a petition process is in place and we are assured that our challenging position will be taken into consideration. Please be wary of using the pass/fail option.

If you would like to have your voice heard you can speak to your student union or Student Senator. Town Halls are being held after each Senate Executive Meeting and everyone is welcome. Take a look at the Senate page of York's Site for more information.

I hope this is helpful.

Waiting Game

2009-01-14T13:29:00.003-05:00

If you are experiencing financial hardship due to the strike the YFS has setup a relief fund. applications are due before Friday, January 30th at 5pm. Undergraduates are eligible for up to $100.

Some interesting developments in the strike have happened over the past couple days.

In case you aren't up to speed the University has asked the Ministry of Labour to hold Supervised Votes on Monday and Tuesday next week, read more here. This means we could be back to school by Thursday if the union members vote yes. A no vote means more waiting. The Union does not recommend a yes vote, read more here.

Here is a press release by Progressive Conservative MPP Peter Shurman (Thornhill) about passing back-to-work legislation.

Like you, I wish I had more answers.

No go...

2009-01-11T13:23:00.004-05:00

So the Union has decided not to have their membership take a vote on the proposed settlement so the University has initiated a Labour Board Supervised Vote. Here's what the University had to say on Friday,

After 5 months of negotiations that have failed to reach a settlement, it is the University’s assessment that a negotiated settlement with CUPE 3903 is not imminent, and the Union has refused to allow their members an opportunity to vote on the University’s offers for settlement. The strike is now entering its 10th week and as it extends further into January, we now face the prospect of putting the integrity of the full summer term in jeopardy. This is not an acceptable situation for our 50,000 students and the University has taken this initiative in an effort to end the strike...A vote against the University’s offer will result in the continuation of the strike, with no immediate end in sight.

For more information click here for the University's Negotiation Update.

CUPE response to YU prosposed settlement

2009-01-09T09:41:00.002-05:00

Well, an overwhelming 90% of CUPE membership met yesterday and here is what they had to say: “We have a great deal of faith in the bargaining process,” said contract professor Ryan Toews, “and frankly, we were a little insulted that, this far into a strike, the employer would present such a clearly inadequate offer.” - CUPE 3903 Strike Website

The two sides will resume negotiations today at 10:00 a.m. so a Monday start is still possible.

Full CUPE 3903 Press Release available here.

Get Ready, Set...

2009-01-08T15:57:00.006-05:00

Hello everyone,

I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing holiday. It is the time to yank up those boot straps and get back to work. Negotiations between the University and the Union resumed on Saturday and today the University presented a settlement offer, click here to see both the summary and full text.

"The Fall 2008 term will resume once a ratified settlement has been reached between the parties AND a declaration of the resumption of academic activities has been made by Senate Executive. There will be at least 24 hours notice between Senate Executive’s declaration of an end to the disruption and the resumption of classes. The amount of lead time depends on such factors as back-to-work protocols for employees now on strike and the day of the week when the disruption concludes." - Academic Remediation Bulletin (Updated January 8, 2009)

As I understand it, we could be back as early as Monday if the membership of the Union agree to the offer and the Senate makes the declaration. So pull out those books, get organized and finish any papers/projects previously assigned cause it looks like it's time to put the nose to the grindstone again.

Btw, if you are in reciept of OSAP, the second installments have arrived. You can check the document tracker to confirm yours are ready for pickup.

Wishing you and yours the best during this challenging time,

No Classes til January

2008-12-16T00:51:00.003-05:00

Schools out for Winter! According to York's Executive Committee of Senate there will be no classes until January since an agreement was not reached as of yesterday. For details see the Academic Activities Bulletin.

Happy Holidays...see you in the New Year

Academic Remediation

2008-12-15T13:35:00.002-05:00

During the strike I've tried to stay neutral but it's hard to stay impartial when your education is seemingly on the line. Like me I'm sure you've been wondering what this is going to do to your year, your summer courses and ultimately your plans to graduate. My sympathies go out to those trying to graduate this year, this must be especially hard on you.

Click on this link to read about the Senate's policies regardingAcademic Remediation. "These FAQs identify the accommodations available to students and adjustments and modifications that have been made or will be made once the disruption is over. These FAQs will be updated regularly to reflect decisions about changes to schedules and academic regulations as they are finalized (YorkU Website)."

While I don't find it particularly clear I refrain from imposing my interpretation for fear of steering anyone in the wrong direction.

All the best,

Communication from Senate Executive RE: Academic Activities for the Month of December

2008-12-09T22:42:00.004-05:00

I received this today from ACMAPS:

The Executive Committee of Senate has issued a communication concerning academic activities in the month of December.

And here is a link outlining in detail York's most recent offer to CUPE 3903.

Are you a parent?

2008-12-03T17:58:00.001-05:00

Masters Student Needs Student Parents for Research Study

Analysis of Statistics Canada's Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics indicates that students with dependent children are not an insignificant proportion of post-secondary undergraduate students. In 2004 approximately 17% of college and 11% of university students were student parents (Lero, Smit Quosai & van Rhijn, 2007). Research suggests that post-secondary student parents face an increased likelihood of interrupting their studies (Holmes, 2005) and more stress than 'traditional' childless students.

The goal of this study is to develop a set of reliable, valid measures that be utilized to learn how student parents manage their multiple roles. In addition, the research can lead to the development of evidence-based policies, programs, and resources at post-secondary institutions to promote positive longer-term outcomes for student parents that increase the likelihood of program completion and
facilitate more positive experiences for the parents and their
children.

The study sample will include student parents enrolled in an undergraduate university or college program (single, married, or common-law) with one or more dependent children (under 18 years of age). Students may be registered on either a part-time or full-time basis. Participants will be contacted by email and will be asked to access an on-line survey from a direct URL link in an invitation email. They will be given the opportunity to enter a draw for a $100 gift certificate after completing the survey.

Tricia van Rhijn, B.A.Sc., M.Sc. student

Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact me at tvanrhij@uoguelph.ca

Faculty Advisor for Project:

Dr. Donna Lero, Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
University of Guelph, Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519-824-4120, extension 53914
Email: dlero@uoguelph.ca

This study has received ethics approval from the University of Guelph Research Ethics board.

References

Holmes, D. (2005). Embracing differences: Post-secondary education among aboriginal students, students with children and students with disabilities. Montreal, QC: Canadian Millennium Scholarship Foundation.

Lero, D., Smit Quosai, T., & van Rhijn, T. (2007). Access to post-secondary education for student parents: Final report. Ottawa,ON: Human Resources & Social Development Canada.

Sure looks like it could make a difference.

STRIKE INFO

2008-12-03T10:34:00.002-05:00

I'm sure everyone is anxious regarding the strike. I have been looking at postings across the internet to see how things are progressing and I thought I would share some of the links that I have found. I do not represent any particular stance, instead I hope to shed light on the many opinions out there. Here are a number of links grouped together by perspective yet in no particular order:

Student Perspectives
Students Blog
Student Blog
YorkNotHostage.com & Anti-Strike Group
Students Against The York Strike 2008 (Facebook Group, you have to sign-in to your account first to use the link)
50000 Against York U Strike (Facebook Group)
Student Class Action Lawsuit AGAINST York University (Facebook Group)
YFS Strike FAQ (Facebook Group)
Excaliber Online

University's Perspective
York's December 8th offer
York Secretarial Labour Disruption: Announcements and Senate Policies
York Media Releases
York's Collective Bargaining Updates

Union Perspective
CUPE's Strike Website
CUPE's General Website
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If you know of other's that might be of interest please add them as a comment. Hope this helps.

Strike @ York

2008-11-25T22:52:00.001-05:00

We are coming up on week 4 (this coming Thursday) of the strike at York. I have included some links on the right where you can find updates from both sides. I've also added a chat and calendar feature to the blog to improve GMSO communication, please have a look.

Regretfully, all events scheduled for the Glendon Mature Student Organization will be postponed for the duration of the strike.

GMSO Facebook Group

2008-09-30T20:23:00.001-04:00

A Facebook page has also been set up, for those who prefer that medium as a means of communicating

Click HERE to join the Facebook group

WELCOME!

2008-09-30T18:58:00.001-04:00

Bounjour tout le monde,

J'espère que tout va bien.

I would like to invite you to the first official (yet informal) reception of Glendon's Mature Student Organization this coming Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 in the pub (basement of the manor) from 5-7pm. I hope you can make it for all or part of the gathering.

We will discuss the clubs status, my role, as well as some of the ideas for the coming year. Pam Broley from the Career and Counselling Centre will be joining us to discuss the types of seminars they can offer with content directed towards the needs of mature students. Also, I would like to know your desires so that I might make them come to reality. There are many things in the mix and I look forward to discussing them with you on Thursday.

Please feel free to pass this message along. Light refreshments will be served.