The Red Carpet / 2013 / November

I’m a Math Mind

November 29, 2013 • Written by Academic Success Centre

The value of a problem is not so much coming up with the answer as in the ideas and attempted ideas it forces on the would be solver.” I.N. Herstein

I’m a Math Mind

A note from Dayna Graham, your Academic Coach at the Academic Success Centre

Have you ever heard someone say “I’m not a math mind”? Have you said it yourself? If we had a dollar for every time we’ve heard that phrase we’d have….well, you do the math.

Think back to a time when you felt you weren’t a math mind. Was it in grade 11 Math when you were asked to illustrate and interpret graphs of exponential functions? Does this take you down memory lane? Graph the function:

If you’re like me, you left those skills right where you learned them: in the classroom. You most likely did not need to utilize them on the weekend or while going about daily life.

Imagine however if you did use those very math skills the next day. Do you think you’d have a better chance of remembering the steps? Wouldn’t it be great if math was taught using real-world practice applications?

RRC programs teach career-related math

Luckily at RRC you do learn math for real-world situations. Now, suppose for example you are a first year Animal Health Tech student. You are in your practicum and a client comes rushing into your clinic with his injured collie. You ask detective-like questions, examine the dog, convert the animal’s weight from pounds to kilograms and calculate the dosage for treatment.

You do all this with skill, ease and efficacy. Why? Because the math was in your context and it was one component of your work task. You placed math within the big picture of your clinic, and it was linked to things like your interpersonal skills, asking smart questions and animal care. The math wasn’t an isolated, abstract case; it was visual to you and part of the bigger story.

Perhaps, during your math history, you were given thousands of textbook equations. The real world however doesn’t present us with textbook problems. The reason you excel in your area of study is because you know how to solve story/word problems, as in diagnosing and treating Fido. You have learned to contemplate and comprehend the mathematical ideas needed for the stories you’ll solve in your clinic.

Next time you are inclined to say “I’m not a math mind” pause and think about it. You may actually mean something like “I may not be an exponential functions math mind, but I most certainly am an accomplished Animal Health Tech math mind.” Read More →

A warm welcome

November 29, 2013 • Written by Diversity and Intercultural Services

On Friday, November 22^nd Red River College welcomed over 400 students, staff, family and community to the Notre Dame Campus at the 9^th Annual Welcome Party for Immigrant and International students. Each year, the Diversity and Immigrant Student Support department organizes this College-wide event to welcome all immigrant and international students to the College community and celebrate Diversity.

The Voyageur Restaurant was packed as guests lined up for an evening of fun and entertainment. The atmosphere was vibrant and bright; with a diverse representation of guests wearing traditional clothing from around the world.

The evening was kick started by with the sounds of local modern Latin group, Descarga Latina. Focusing on Latin rhythms such as Cumbia, Merengue and Salsa, the band had Red River College’s President and CEO, Stephanie Forsyth out of her seat to get the dance floor started.

Along with special greetings from Forsyth, RRC Students’ Association President Jocelle Cuvos, and Elder in Residence Levinia Brown, was a message delivered by Provincial Minister of Multiculturalism and Literacy, Hon. Flor Marcelino. “I found out about this event and thought I would pop in to say ‘hello’.” Minister Marcelino shared that after working for 17 years as support staff at Red River College, she was glad to be back. Read More →

HGS Canada Job Fair

November 29, 2013 • Written by RED Carpet Blog

HGS Canada Job Fair

Date: Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30

Location: Red River College in the Voyageur Lounge and Dining Room located at 2055 Notre Dame Avenue

HGS Canada representatives will be on site between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days to discuss the value of employment with HGS Canada.

It is the perfect opportunity for interested individuals to find out more about the company and learn about employment and career opportunities with HGS Canada.

HGS Canada is now accepting applications for the potential new site in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Be the first to apply at www.JoinHGS.com

“Break Barriers and Open Doors” by recognizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3

November 27, 2013 • Written by Diversity and Intercultural Services

Did you know that 1 out of 2 Canadians will be touched by a disability, either personally or in their immediate family?

Help our Red River Community re-affirm and draw attention to the rights of more than one billion people globally who are living with a disability. Join us on December 3, for a Disability Awareness Lunch Hour Blitz at Notre Dame Campus, where you can visit a display in the north library hall, or chat with students from the Disability and Community Support Program, who will be handing out information.

Did you know?

a) Internationally: More than 1 billion people, or 15% of the world population, are living with a disability. Canada is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which affirms that all people with disabilities have human rights and freedoms.

b) Locally: Manitoba is about to sign Bill 26 into law, the Accessibility for Manitobans Act. This legislation will ensure that there is a plan to eliminate the barriers that currently exist for 200,000 Manitobans with disabilities. These Manitobans will be able to experience their Human Rights with the same expectations as other citizens.

c) Personally: Join us in taking a stand against the “R” word (retard), and “Spread the Word to End the Word”. Most people don’t think of this word as hate speech, but that’s exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and friends. Make a personal pledge to remove this form of hate speech from our collective vocabularies.

Sponsored by the Disability and Community Support Program and the Diversity and Immigrant Student Support department.

The Library is here to Help You!

November 25, 2013 • Written by Library

Lower Learning Commons at the Exchange District Campus – Includes movable workspaces that have LAN jacks and power outlets. Many of the tables can be moved to accommodate larger groups. There are also two breakout rooms here for quieter study. The Commons is available to students until 11:45 pm and 24/7 during exam time.

What is a library? It’s a collection of books, right? Maybe not…

At Red River College this is only partially true. Of course we have books, we have thousands of books. However, your library is more than just books!

At Red River College we have two full-service libraries. At the Notre Dame Campus we are located in the centre of the campus on the mall level of Building C across from the Student Association offices and the student store (The Ox). Downtown, at the Exchange District Campus, the John and Bonnie Buhler Library is located above the Buhler Learning Commons, on the second floor, near the southeast corner of the Roblin Centre.

In case you didn’t know, here are some services that we offer at both locations:

Library Resources
- Stacks and stacks of periodicals at the Notre Dame Campus Library.
  
  We have over 75,000 titles – books, journals, reports, government publications – in print format; over 5000 video and DVD titles (mostly videos); and over 2,000 items of equipment, including TVs, VCRs, DVD players, data video projectors, visual presenters, and digital cameras.
Reference services
- Are you inexperienced in locating resources? Are you looking for certain resources, but you have been unsuccessful? Ask our Reference Desk professionals for help! They’re jobs is to help you find the library resources you need, whether it be a book, journal article, video or even a web resource.
Computer Labs
- Each Library has open access computers and offers support in the use of computers and computing resources.
Printing and Photocopying
- Would you want to use a computer or print an assignment? How about a photocopier? Come to the Library!
Technical Help
- Maybe you’d like to connect to the Wireless and you’re not sure how to do it? Maybe your RRC password doesn’t work anymore? Come to one of our helpdesks! We are ready to help you. 
  - NDC Campus : Help is located in the Library Classroom, open from 8AM-4PM
  - Downtown Campus: Located in the Roblin Centre, at the Learning Commons Helpdesk, from 8AM-4PM.
Study Areas
- We have study areas in all of our locations. Come on down to the library and study!
  - Notre Dame Campus: Study tables, some with laptop connections, are available throughout the library. The library is divided into two types of study area, group and individual. Group study tables are on the north side and a quiet area with individual study carrels is on the south side. There is also a quiet reading area on the south side. If you are wondering which study is best for you, just ask at the front desk. 
  - Exchange District Campus: Study tables, all with laptop connections, are available throughout the Learning Commons, including the Library. A quiet reading area is available in the Periodicals room within the Library. The Lower Learning commons contains seating for 65 at tables with laptop connections. As well, breakout rooms (small group study rooms) are located in the Learning Commons, mostly in the Library.

Would you like to know more? Visit our web site: http://library.rrc.ca Or, come to one of our library locations, either at the Notre Dame Campus, or at our location downtown in the Roblin Centre, and just ask.

We are here to help you!

NEED A$$I$TANCE FUNDING COLLEGE EXPEN$E$?!

November 18, 2013 • Written by Aboriginal Student Support

Looking for an Award, Bursary or Scholarship to assist with expenses while attending college programs? Get in the game early. Make awards research a priority project as soon as you know what program you will pursue and while you are attending. The process can be stressful if executed in desperation the day before an application deadline.

Where to Start:

• Go to rrc.ca and peruse every available award under Student Awards & Financial Aid. http://me.rrc.mb.ca/Catalogue/AvailableAwards.aspx

• To obtain an application form, the simplest way is to contact the issuer using the web-site, email or phone number listed

• The majority of the awards will require the following: completed application, autobiography, letters of reference and transcript

• Given the deadline dates are non-negotiable; ensure your application is sent in ample time to meet the time-line.

Tips to Succeed

Keep your resume up to date and create a file to manage your research project and ease the process. Read qualification criteria and add the awards, bursaries or scholarships you will personally qualify for, to your file. Gather all administrative, academic, and financial details to be ready and easily able to complete application forms.

Prepare your personal awards application list and schedule the application dates on a calendar.

Save electronic copies of forms for those that you will apply for (even if it is last year’s application form, gather your data with a close idea of what will be required on the next year’s form). You will be ready to complete your applications with ease and confidence when each date comes up.

Prepare a draft copy of an awesome biographical essay that describes why YOU, among hundreds of other applicants, should be the chosen one to receive a financial award!

Use and adapt your awesome essay to the specific needs of each application.

Autobiography Tips (Your Story) :

• Write one biography and save it on disc or your computer for future use and updating

• You can use the same biography for most awards with a few adjustments

• Address any points or questions that the scholarship issuer is asking (i.e. Demonstrate community involvement.)

• Your autobiography is your chance to catch the selection committee’s attention and sell yourself. You need to “tell a story”

Important – If you are asked to write one page or two pages ensure you do submit the full amount rather than say one paragraph which does not highlight enough about yourself to make an informed decision

If you are applying for a bursary, be sure to indicate financial need. (i.e. Single parent, no sponsorship etc.)

Reference Tips:

• Only ask those who know you or your academic/ work performance for a reference

• If planning on applying for more awards, let your reference know your intentions so they can keep a copy for future use

• Always approach your references well in advance so you have their letters in time to complete your application

Did you know? References should offer more than just attesting to knowing you or that you are a student. Tell him/her about the award and why you feel you would benefit from the award or how you came to enroll in that particular field of study.

Need guidance or application forms for Aboriginal Awards, Bursaries and Scholarships? Contact Rhonda Klippenstein 204.632.2363 at the Aboriginal Support Centre in room F209 at the Notre Dame campus, or see Cheyenne in P409 at the Exchange District Campus.

Magical Christmas Village

November 15, 2013 • Written by Aboriginal Student Support

The Aboriginal Student Support & Community Relations will be transforming the Aboriginal Support Centre, room F205 into a magical “Christmas Village” on November 27 & 28, 2013.

We invite students, families, friends and the community of Winnipeg to receive a free photo with Santa while visiting interactive stations for children, including craft making, coloring, drawing pictures and writing letters to Santa while enjoying peanut free cookies and milk. For more information visit www.rrc.ca/aboriginaleducation

If you are interested in helping out in any way, please feel free to contact Tracy Brant at 632-2106 or email: tbrant@rrc.ca. The more of Santa’s helpers that come out, the merrier!

Student Employment Services – Employer on Campus events in November include:

November 13, 2013 • Written by RED Carpet Blog

Notre Dame Campus

Magellan Aerospace (Tuesday, November 19, 2013)

ICTAM (Thursday, November 21, 2013)

Tolko Industries (Wednesday, November 27, 2013)

Exchange District Campus

MNP (Monday, November 18, 2013)

ICTAM (Wednesday, November 20, 2013)

For event information and registration visit Jobcentral.rrc.ca.

Because there is no finish line

November 13, 2013 • Written by Academic Success Centre

A note from your Academic Coach…Because there is no finish line

Imagine being in the running shoes of Meredith Fitzmaurice. The Ontarian woman recently started a race as a Half-Marathoner and ended the race as a Marathoner. Not on purpose, seriously, who really wants to run 13.1 miles more than they intend?

You may be wondering, “how could she not know her run was doubling in distance?” She definitely mirrored your thoughts: “I’m looking at the time and wondering where the finish line is.” She did ask a course official where the turn was for the half-marathon, although she admitted by that point she pretty much figured out what she had done and came to a resolution within herself: “Once I realized what I had done, I figured, well I’ll just run 20 miles and use it as a long run and call it a day.”

Let’s take this lesson and apply it to our courses. Now that mid-terms are behind us and new assignments are on the horizon, challenge yourself to go above and beyond completing the basic requirements. What would happen if you handed in a “wow project?” If you were so proud of what you accomplished that you took joy in tapping the send key to your instructor or physically handing your finished product to them.

Take a look at your course outline and see what assignment really inspires you. Then apply a strategy or two to produce a truly unexpected and exceptional outcome:

See the Big Picture

Read the assignment, relate it to the course outline, then list ways it reflects the objectives of the course.

Check-In

Get feedback from your instructor about a proposed paper. Discuss your proposed topic, questions to address and references/sources. Use your instructor as a resource and be sure to make full use of any help or additional information they can offer.

Just ASC

Writing a paper and unsure of where to begin? Wondering how to set-up your outline or structure your argument? Come to the Academic Success Centre and meet with a tutor http://www.rrc.ca/asc

Trigger Creativity

Look at magazine articles, blogs and Ted Talks for inspiration. Allow time to brainstorm. Use images or just begin writing notes about a word or an idea.

Ready Yourself

Before each working/writing session, visualize a successful experience, take 2-4 deep breaths and stretch.

Be Judicious

Look at the question that your essay/assignment must address. Remember, you will only get marks for answering the target question. Extra information is great, but you need to ensure it works with your assignment’s goals. If it does not apply or enhance your argument, ditch it!

Read More →

Good Health at RRC Balancing our Life with Good Eating Habits

November 13, 2013 • Written by Health Services

The Public Health Agency of Canada says healthy eating can build a healthy body, which is important for maintaining a healthy body weight. Healthy eating means eating a variety of nutritious foods, which is important. Canada’s Food Guide provides information that can help. You can also use the Nutrition Facts table on food products to help you make informed food choices.

Use apps like Fooducate while you shop to help you see through nutritional claims on your groceries. Acting as your personal grocery advisor, this free app explains what is in a grocery store product and can suggest healthier options. It claims to not be funded by the food, drug, diet or supplement industries; also, it does not sell, peddle, distribute or otherwise offer magic pills, secret celebrity diets, or exotic supplements.

The transition to college or university is a critical period for young adults who are often facing their first opportunity to make their own food decisions. A research study done by the University of Lethbridge found that college students often have poor eating habits and that students tend to eat fewer fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. As well, they reported a high intake of high-fat, high-calorie foods.

Some students find it difficult to eat healthily while juggling a busy schedule. Here are some tips, which may help you eat well and achieve or maintain a healthy body weight.

Eat Breakfast! – It really is the most important meal of the day.

You will feel more energetic and alert when you have a healthy start to your day.
Some options include oatmeal, whole wheat bread with cheese or peanut butter, or cottage cheese with fresh fruit. These are wholesome choices, and the protein will fill you up enough to keep you going all morning.
Click here to find healthy, fast breakfast recipes and start your day off right.

Try not to get too hungry – Pack snacks

It’s best to eat something every three to four hours, which usually translates to three meals and one or two snacks daily.
Make a list of healthful snacks such as plain, low-fat yogurt and fruit, popcorn, a cheese string with a few whole-wheat crackers or half of a whole-wheat pita stuffed with vegetables and tuna.

Practice portion control – it’s vital to weight management. Watch this helpful video done by Canadian Living.

Use your hands to guide a healthy serving size!
Two open hands to guide you in selecting a healthy serving of vegetables.
Your fist indicates a healthy portion of grain products. Include a fist-size serving of fruit with or between your meals.
Your palm to measure a healthy serving of meat and alternatives.
Use a thumb tip-size serving of fat.

Stay well hydrated.

Females are suggested to drink 8-9 glasses of water a day, while men are suggested to drink 12-13 glasses of water a day.
Always remember to use a refillable water bottle instead of buying water bottles and throwing them away!

Eat slowly.

It’s a wonderful way to savor your food – and to eat less.
Start by putting your fork down between bites, chewing a bit more or cutting food into smaller pieces.

For more tips on eating healthily on a college student
budget click here.

This ends our blog series on good health at Red River College. Being and staying healthy requires balance in our life and it can be done!

We appreciate feedback, so feel free to comment or give suggestions.Thank you for reading

Health Services Nursing Students Alexis and Candice

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