Month: May 2016

How You Can Support Faculty in Fort McMurray

Without question, everyone has been saddened and shocked by the stories and images of the wildfires in Fort McMurray. As widely communicated through the media, the best way each and every one of us can currently help is by donating to the Canadian Red Cross online or by texting REDCROSS to 30333.

Anyone interested in supporting this important cause can also offer help to the Alberta Colleges and Institutes Faculties Association (ACIFA) as ACIFA will be coordinating communication and relief offers from colleagues across the country. It is expected that ACIFA will provide some direct support to faculty members through the Keyano College Faculty Association.

Your generous help to support colleagues in Alberta going through this hardship will be very much appreciated. To inquire, please contact Doug Short, President of ACIFA at dougs@nait.ca, or the ACIFA office:

ACIFA
Suite 412, 10357 109 Street
Edmonton, AB
T5J 1N3
Tel: (780) 423-4440
Fax: (780) 423-4515
pam.anderson@acifa.ca
ben.turner@acifa.ca

Yes, You Are Entitled and Expected to Take Your Leaves

Sally Gunz, FAUW President

Early this month, a joint statement on leaves was sent out from the Provost and myself. This was a long time in the writing and even still we have omitted reference to compassionate leaves which we will correct in due course. Nonetheless, it is important that everyone understand why we prepared this statement.

We hear from time to time that members are not taking various leaves in part or in full because of concerns about the cost to their departments or individuals within them. We want to stress that the university expects you to take these leaves and that cost should not be your concern.

If a department does indeed experience an undue burden, we have been told over and over again, this should be passed on to senior levels. The key is to understand that the leaves are there to ensure you have a successful and healthy career. You are expected to take them. You enhance your department, your faculty and the university when your career is successful. If you are encountering obstacles, please contact FAUW for advice and assistance.