Camosun hires new Ombudsperson
On March 2, Robert Thompson replaced Carter MacDonald—who is retiring—as Camosun College’s ombudsperson. Thompson has a master’s in conflict resolution from the UK’s University of Bradford and has advocated for human rights with Peace Brigades International. He has also worked with the United Nations as the ombudsperson support officer at the International Organization for Migration. Most recently, he was ombudsperson at Lakehead University. The position of ombudsperson is funded by the college and the Camosun College Student Society to provide an impartial third party for students with concerns.
Students send valentines for grants
During the week of February 14, students across BC sent valentines to premier John Horgan requesting a program be implemented introducing non-repayable grants for BC student loans before the 2020 budget was released. This would bring BC into equity with other provinces, which already have grant programs in place.
Indigenous conference returns to Camosun
From August 25 to 28, Camosun is hosting the S’TEṈISTOLW̱ Indigenous education conference at the Lansdowne campus for the first time since 2017. Speakers will include practitioners, scholars, and community leaders, focusing on applied learning in post-secondary and adult Indigenous education. New this year is a marketplace showcasing the work of Indigenous artists. Visit stenistolw.ca for more info.
Camosun receives $997,000 in research funds
Camosun Innovates (CI), the applied research and development hub of Camosun College, has been awarded a grant of over $997,000 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation College-Industry Innovation Fund. The funds will enhance the Materials Integration Research and Creativity Lab by renovating it and providing new equipment for manufacturing and finishing composites. CI gives students the opportunity to work with faculty experts and engineers, technicians, and machinists using state-of-the-art machining and prototyping equipment.
Chargers headed for nationals
The Camosun Chargers men’s and women’s volleyball teams headed to the 2020 PACWEST Provincial Championships, hosted by Douglas College in New Westminster, on February 20 to 22. Both teams took home silver and will move on to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association National Championships from March 11 to 14 in Quebec City. The Chargers men’s and women’s basketball teams played in provincials in Vancouver, hosted by Capilano University, from February 27-29. Final scores were not available at press time. The men’s basketball team ended the regular season 8-10 and entered playoffs as the number 4 seed; the women’s team ended with a record of 7-11 and were the fifth-seeded team. Winners of provincials will play in the nationals, held this year in March at Vancouver Island University. See camosun.ca/chargers for updated information.
Chargers alumni to coach Norwegian national team
Two Norwegian Camosun Chargers volleyball alumni, Vitor Macedo and Håkon Østrem, have been selected as the head and assistant coaches, respectively, of the Norwegian women’s Junior National Team. Macedo played for three years with the Chargers, while Østrem played for two, assisting the Chargers during several national and provincial championships.
Victoria presents new budget
The City of Victoria recently announced details of its 2020 budget. Of note to students, Victoria is increasing its investment by $650,000 in its Housing Reserve Fund, which provides grants to develop and maintain affordable housing. Over the next four years, Victoria will also invest $36.5 million to improve city transportation, streets, and sidewalks. The South Island Prosperity Partnership will receive $220,000 to support collaboration between government, First Nations, and private partners to develop a sustainable, diversified economy throughout the South Island. $28 million will be invested in Victoria’s parks, recreation, and facilities in 2020. The City of Victoria’s Budget 2020 will be finalized at the end of April, after BC Assessment finalizes its property assessments for the year.
Youth Innovation Challenge launches
From February through March, a contest is being held to find innovative solutions to environmental-sustainability issues in North America. The Commission for Environmental Cooperation’s 4th annual Youth Innovation Challenge is open to participants from 18 to 30 years of age who are residents of Canada, Mexico, or the USA. The challenge closes on March 31. Visit cec.submittable.com for more info and to submit.