News Briefs: July 3, 2024 issue

July 3, 2024 News

Camosun holds convocation ceremonies

Over 2,000 Camosun students will graduate this year, with more than 1,000 graduating students crossing the stage and tossing up their academic caps during four convocation ceremonies that took place on Wednesday, June 19 and Thursday, June 20 at the college’s Interurban campus. Four students received the Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Medal Awards, presented to students graduating with the highest overall grade point averages from post-secondary college diploma-level programs; as well, one student received the Promising Alumni Award and one student received the Distinguished Alumni Award (see below). The theme of the event is “you always belong here”—a sentiment of continued community beyond campus grounds.

This story originally appeared in our July 3, 2024 issue.

Kayleigh McDonald awarded Promising Alumni Award

Kayleigh McDonald, a Comox-based business owner and entrepreneur, was given this year’s Promising Alumni Award at Camosun’s convocation ceremonies. Before graduating from the Bachelor of Business Administration program in 2019, McDonald began developing Prismatic Creative Co., a branding, web design, and social media marketing company for local businesses, non-profits, and government agencies. In addition, McDonald does volunteer work and helps local organizations develop their online presence. The Promising Alumni Award recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions exemplified by Camosun alum.

Lesley Stav takes home Distinguished Alumni Award

Red Seal chef Lesley (Watson) Stav received Camosun’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award at the college’s convocation ceremonies. Stav was recognized for her 35-year career, guiding, mentoring, and advocating in the culinary industry. Stav was a trucker for 12 years before an injury forced her to quit; graduating from Camosun’s Culinary Arts program in 1988, Stav continued to pursue her career until 2013, when she exited the kitchen after surviving cancer. She then began dedicating her time and energy to community work, mentoring culinary students, and organizing events. Stav maintained a connection with Camosun’s Culinary Arts program by supporting instructors and through an online training program. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions exemplified by Camosun alum.

Indigenous Cultural Safety integrated into Camosun sport programs

Camosun College has introduced Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) training into its exercise and sport programs, becoming one of the first of postsecondary institutions in British Columbia to do so. With the partnership of the Indigenous Sport Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC), a group of 23 faculty members and staff participating on May 13 and 14 were provided with Indigenous Cultural Safety Training through a sport, physical activity, and recreation lens. Led by I∙SPARC facilitators and knowledge keepers, the online and in-person training covered topics such as systemic racism, privilege, power, sequential inequalities and injustices created by the residential school system, and ongoing racism prevalent in the sports system.

Camosun gets ABE boost

Camosun is receiving more than $335,000 from the BC government for its tuition-free (for domestic students) Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning Pathways programs. The financial support will provide individuals in need of education upgrading with necessary aid to pursue in-demand jobs.

Camosun launches AI task force

With the rapid development of generative AI tools and research organizations such as OpenAI, postsecondary institutions such as Camosun are exploring new ways to both embrace and crack down on the role artificial intelligence plays in academics. This fall semester, Camosun students will receive an email about academic integrity, ways to appropriately use the software, and classroom usage guidelines. A generative AI task force will begin working this fall to combat rising concerns and promote transparency with students and faculty.

Fine Furniture students showcase work

Graduating students of Camosun’s Fine Furniture program are showcasing their capstone project—a variety of handmade chairs—at the Arts Centre at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre until Sunday, July 14. All the chairs were crafted from the wood of local Garry oak trees that posed a threat or blew down and were recovered from urban areas. The 10-month, full-time program requires no prior work experience and focuses on hands-on, theory-based learning. Admission to the gallery to see the exhibit is free.

Public Interest Disclosure Act expands to postsecondary institutions

Employees of public postsecondary institutions are benefiting from new protections through the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA). First introduced to the public sector in 2019, the act protects employees who confidentially disclose malpractice and participate in PIDA investigations from termination, demotion, and other potential consequences when bringing forward serious concerns. By providing a framework for whistleblowers to report to, such as designated officers or an ombudsperson, the expansion of PIDA looks to promote transparency and accountability in the workplace. The first phase of the expansion came into effect June 1, with research universities being part of the expansion later this year.