Calls for Proposals: 2010-11 Community Outreach Projects ...... 9 Assessing Changes in Health and Quality of Life in Brandon………………… 10 Evaluation of Nickel, Copper, and Precious Metal Mineralogy in the Mayville Intrusion of the Lac Du Bonnet area, Manitoba ...... 10 Determining Diamond Potential in Manitoba’s Northern Region (Lake Winnipegosis) using X-Ray Analysis of Indicator Minerals .. ……………..11 Characterization of Gold Mineralization on Bison Gold’s northern Manitoba Exploration Properties ...... 11 Digital Youth in Rural Mantioba ...... 12 Prevalence of Rhizobacteria in Fairfax Farmland Soil ...... 13 Brandon’s International Women’s Food and Craft Market: Looking Back in Order to move Forward ...... 13 Fresh Water Analysis of Killarney Lake and Long River Watershed ...... 14 Limits on Seaweed Growth in Manitoba and a Test of Kelp Utilization as Fertilizer ...... 14

Service Learning ...... 15 Service Learning: Overview ...... …………………………..…………………16 Service Learning: World University Service of Canada ... ….…………………….17 Service Learning: Brandon University Student Leader Program…………………18

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 1 Annual Report 2010-11

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 2 Annual Report 2010-11 Acknowledgements

Brandon University Community Outreach Service would like to extend its appreciation to the Province of Manitoba, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) for their commitment to the Outreach Service.

A thank you is also extended to the Outreach Advisory Committee for their work over the past year -- their contributions of time and energy, suggestions and feedback on outreach activities.

A special thank you goes out to all of the Brandon University faculty members who have volunteered their time, students who have shown interest in the service, and members of communities and organizations that have chosen to participate. Without the involvement and interest of these groups, the Outreach Service would not be able to fulfill its goals.

Rural Development Institute Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) The Rural Development Institute, located at Brandon University, functions as a not-for-profit research and development organization designed Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural to promote, facilitate, coordinate, initiate and con- Initiatives provides a yearly contribution duct multi-disciplinary academic and applied to the Brandon University Community Outreach research on rural issues. The Institute provides Service to fund community-university project an interface between academic research efforts partnerships. and the community by acting as a conduit of rural research information and by facilitating commu- The partnership between MAFRI, the nity involvement in rural development. RDI pro- Rural Development Institute (RDI), and the jects are characterized by cooperative and col- Community Outreach Service demonstrates a laborative efforts of multi-stakeholders. continued commitment to the development of healthy and dynamic rural and northern areas. In 1999, RDI created the Community Outreach Service as a means of coordinating and MAFRI’s strategic priorities include rural and encouraging rural- and northern-focused initia- northern development, community economic tives for community development through development, agriculture, clean water, alterna- community-university partnerships. RDI-BU sup- tive energy, aboriginal development, market ports the Community Outreach Service by provid- development for local products, development of ing a paid student coordinator, office space and rural– and farm-related employment opportuni- supplies, financial management, and guidance ties, and others. These priorities have been through Advisory Committee involvement. reflected in the wide array of projects funded through the Community Outreach Service since its creation in 1999.

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 3 Annual Report 2010-11 2010-11 Outreach Advisory Committee

Wm. (Bill) Ashton Rural Development Institute

Bill Ashton joined the advisory committee in mid 2009 and as the director of the Rural Development Institute works with the Community Outreach Coordinator.

Denis Combet Faculty of Arts

Denis Combet joined the Advisory Committee in Fall 2009 as the Faculty of Arts representative.

Roberta Graham School of Health Studies

Roberta has represented the School of Health Studies on the Outreach Advisory Committee since April 2003.

Scott Grills VP Academic and Research/ Committee Chair

Scott Grills has been the co-chair of the Community Outreach Advisory Committee since summer 2007.

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 4 Annual Report 2010-11 2010-11 Outreach Advisory Committee

Jackie Kirk Faculty of Education

Jackie Kirk has served on the Outreach Advisory Committee since fall 2008.

David Playfair School of Music

David Playfair joined the Outreach Advisory Committee as the new Faculty of Music representative in the fall of 2010.

Balfour Spence Faculty of Science

Balfour Spence has served on the Advisory Committee since Winter 2009 as the Faculty of Science representative.

Leanne Zacharias School of Music

Leanne Zacharias has served on the Outreach Advisory Committee as Faculty of Music representative for 2009 and 2010.

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 5 Annual Report 2010-11 Community Outreach Coordinator

The reported activities described are for the period of April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011. Five projects reported are the result of funding approved from the February 2010 call for proposals taking place this past fiscal year. These projects include: Prevalence of Rhizobacteria in Fairfax Farmland Soil, Digital Youth in Rural Manitoba, Characterization of Gold Mineralization on Bison Gold’s Northern Manitoba Exploration Properties, Determining Diamond Potential in Manitoba’s Northern Region (Lake Winnipegosis) using X-Ray Analysis of Indi- cator Minerals, and Assessing Changes in Health and Quality of Life in Brandon. Though these projects were approved in the previous financial year, they all commenced during the 2010-11 reporting period.

In the past year, the Brandon University Community Outreach Service helped launch nine new collaborative projects in Brandon and several rural communities. Brandon University students and faculty teamed up with organizations and agencies in Lac Du Bonnet, Killarney, Churchill, Fairfax, and others on projects that combined community needs with university research interests.

Many Brandon University students from the faculties of science, and arts were given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working on projects related to their study areas. Outreach funding for the new projects was matched with community funding and in-kind contributions totaling almost $50,000 for Outreach projects in 2010-11 with each project contributing an average of $5300.00 in-kind.

This year, 60 Brandon University students participated in another Out- reach program, Service Learning. Service Learning encourages student volunteer activities beyond the academic setting and provides an opportunity to gain transcript recognition for volunteer opportunities that compliment the areas of the students’ studies.

In the past year, Brandon University students participated in Service Learning projects with World University Service of Canada, Child and Family Services, Brandon University Student Leader Program, and others.

I began working as coordinator for the Brandon University CommunityMonika Outreach Sormova Service in March of 2010, and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with faculty, students, and community organizations through this medium. This has been a busy year for the Brandon University Community Outreach Service and it has been a pleasure to work with the members of the Outreach Advisory Committee, as well as the supportive staff at the Rural Development Insti- tute. I look forward to continue working within the RDI in the future.

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 6 Annual Report 2010-11

Overview of Achievements

As a rural-focused institution, Brandon University has a responsibility to the communities of which it is part: the City of Brandon and rural Manitoba.

For over a decade, the Brandon University Community Outreach Service helped initiate annually five to six new collaborative projects between the University and community organizations in the region. The projects took place in community organizations in Brandon, and rural locations such as Rivers, Sioux Valley, Churchill, Swan River, Killarney, and others. Past community partners included a variety of organizations for example; The Canadian Red Cross, Brandon Wildlife Association, Manitoba Métis Federation, regional health authorities, school divisions.

The purpose of Community Outreach Service is to create opportunities for community development by establishing new community partnerships. The service strives to foster Uni- versity-community collaborations and create opportunities for knowledge transfer between the university and participating communities. The partnerships of community, BU faculty, and students bring along new opportunities for research and hands-on learning experiences, while addressing specific needs in participating communities and community organizations in the region.

The Outreach office received sixteen proposals for new projects last year, nine of which were approved for funding. Altogether $26,950 was allocated in project funding in 2010-11, with participating communities and organizations contributing $72,981.00 in total cash and in- kind funding for these new projects. Project participants included local, regional, and provincial community organizations who teamed up with faculty and students from the departments of Biology, Geography, Geology, Psychology, Rural Development, and Sociology. The following section offers an overview of community projects completed last year.

From BU Outreach Service Project Archives

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 7 Annual Report 2010-11 Community Outreach Service Background

In 1997, David Douglas, a visiting professor from the University of Guelph’s School of Rural Planning and Development, prepared a report on Rural Development at Brandon University. One of his recommendations was the establishment of a community outreach service. The university, in collaboration with the Rural Development Institute, launched the Brandon Uni- versity Community Outreach Service at the Rural Forum the following year.

How it works The goals of the Community Outreach Service The Brandon University Community Outreach Service assists in matching the To coordinate and encourage Brandon needs of community organizations with the University outreach activity by: learning and research interests of university students and faculty. providing a vehicle for faculty to garner con- The role of the service is to coordi- nections for research interests nate and facilitate the initiation of projects in communities across Manitoba. As such, offering positive learning opportunities for the Outreach Service does not design, students in an applied environment manage or undertake specific projects; it is the faculty and/or students who undertake identifying a clear path of access to projects in partnership with community or- Brandon University resources for ganizations. communities in need of assistance

An Outreach Advisory Committee, composed of repre- To serve as a formalized vehicle for sentatives of the five faculties Brandon University’s service and schools within the Univer- sity, oversees the Outreach mission by: Service, provides suggestions on requests, and adjudicates raising the profile of Brandon Uni- proposals submitted to both the versity, its departments, and its faculty Open and Annual Call for Pro- in the Community posals. An Outreach Coordinator works with community organizations, faculty and demonstrating Brandon University’s students on behalf of the Outreach Advi- commitment to the community it serves sory Committee.

encouraging a greater collaboration and mu- Students, faculty and community tual knowledge transfer between the univer- organizations comprise the outreach sity and community-based organizations triad. Requests for outreach projects can originate from any one of these groups. facilitating exchanges so that communities can more easily access university resources and knowledge when addressing their social, economic and cultural challenges.

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 8 Annual Report 2010-11

Calls for Proposals

For eleven consecutive years, the Brandon University Community Outreach Service helped facilitate new collaborative projects between the university and community organizations in the region. Annual financial support from Manitoba Agriculture, Food, and Rural Initia- tives has helped initiate and deliver close to 60 community outreach projects over the past eleven years.

Annual February and October calls for proposals attract a variety of project applications from community groups and organization in rural Manitoba. The proposed projects are matched with faculty research initiatives and often delivered by Brandon University students who gain valuable hands-on experience building on their area of study.

This year’s calls for proposals were held in February and October 2010. Sixteen new proposals were submitted to the deadlines requesting a total of $47,950.00 in project funding. Nine new community projects were approved for funding in rural Manitoba communities such as Churchill, Fairfax, Killarney, Lac Du Bonnet.

Funds contributed by Brandon University Commu- nity Outreach were matched by cash and in-kind contributions from participating communities, as well as volunteer and staff involvement on their part.

Shoreline Plant and Seaweed Resources of Churchill

(photos by Dr. Terence McGonigle)

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 9 Annual Report 2010-11 20102010-11 Community Community Outreach Outreach Projects Projects

Assessing Changes in Health and Evaluation of Nickel, Copper, and Quality of Life in Brandon Precious Metal Mineralogy in the Mayville Intrusion of the Lac Du Bonnet area, Manitoba Project Partners: City of Brandon, Dr. Alex Michalos, Philosophy Depart- Project Partners: Mr. Robin Dunbar, ment, Brandon University Mustang Minerals Corporation, Dr. Michelle A.E. Huminicki, Dr. Austin Funding Approved: $3,000 Gulliver, Department of Geology, Brandon University The City of Brandon has undergone im- mense change since 1999, including indus- Funding Approved: $3,000 trial development, service expansion, power retail development, green space develop- Brandon University’s Geology Depart- ment, and downtown core redevelopment. ment, along with Mustang Minerals teamed This project was aimed at providing a base- up to provide a student with unmatched ex- line for future studies of the perceived health perience in the field of geology. The projects and quality of life while also documenting goal is to evaluate the mineral potential of the changes in health and quality of life in Bran- Mayville Intrusion in the Lac Du Bonnet area don from 1999 to 2010. of Manitoba.

For this project, a student was hired to In doing this, one geology student was prepare a survey that was distributed to 2,000 hired for the extent of the summer with the Brandon households, receive the question- responsibilities of both field and laboratory naires for data entry, analyze the responses, analysis of minerals taken from drill core sam- and assist in report writing. This project also ples. The project will provide the student with gave the student and fellow researchers the hands-on experience in the Micro Analytical opportunity to work with many other depart- Facility, as well as valuable field experience. ments within the University, including the De- partment of Geography, and the Department In analyzing the minerals present in of Rural Development. This provided a valu- the Mayville Intrusion, the project addressed able interdisciplinary experience for the stu- key concerns for rural Manitoba communities, dent. including; evaluation of rural economic issues and strategies, with the possibility of in- While addressing current issues of creased capacity for local economic develop- rural economic strategies, and providing a ment for Lac Du Bonnet and surrounding capacity for increasing the local economic communities. development, the goal of the study was to identify perceived health and quality of life in Brandon, Manitoba, as well as to provide a benchmark for future studies.

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 10 Annual Report 2010-11 2010- 11Community Community Outreach Outreach Projects Projects

Determining Diamond Potential in Characterization of Gold Mineraliza- Manitoba’s Northern Region tion on Bison Gold’s Northern Mani- (Lake Winnipegosis) using X-Ray toba Exploration Properties Analysis of Indicator Minerals

Project Partners: Doug Berk, White Cap Project Partners: David Benson, Bison Exploration, Dr. Michelle A.E. Huminicki, Gold Resources Inc., Dr. Danielle M.C. Geology Department, Brandon University Huminicki, Geology Department, Brandon University Funding Approved: $3,000 Funding Approved: $3,000 White Cap Exploration is a small, new, private company based out of Winnipeg, Mani- Bison Gold Resources Incorporated toba, with a Manitoba-focused exploration ini- is a mining and exploration company with tiative. The main vision of the company is to interests in gold deposits throughout Mani- discover high value metal and mineral depos- toba. Their major gold site is located 25km its by focusing on underexplored parts of es- southeast of the community of Bissett, Mani- tablished geological belts in Frontier regions, toba. The primary industry for Bissett is the initially focusing on the Interlake region of Rice Lake Gold Mines. Approximately 30% Manitoba. of this industries workforce are from the nearby Sagkeeng First Nation. Through this project, and successful exploration of northern Manitoba, it was hoped Gold has been discovered at the that profit could be brought to northern Manito- Central Manitoba Property in several loca- ban communities. With the alliance of Brandon tions, and through this project a student was University and a small business, White Cap hired to determine the texture and charac- Exploration, one geology student was given terization of the gold using Brandon Univer- the opportunity to participate in field work, be sity’s Micro-Analytical Facility. exposed to the industry aspect of mineral exploration, and analyze samples in a laboratory The main goal of this project was to setting. determine the distribution of gold in the area, providing information pertaining to the eco- The projects mapped and collected nomic feasibility of gold extraction. Gold samples of the minerals in the Interlake region mines provide great economic potential of Manitoba. Ayat Baig, a third year geology within this rural Manitoba community. student, was hired as the research assistant Through this project additional knowledge for this project. Ayat received valuable industry will be acquired as to how to extract gold in experience in both field and lab settings as a an economically appropriate and environ- result of this project. mentally responsible manner.

Positive diamond indicator results were Along with this, the project aimed to found in the area, fostering continued explora- provide valuable lab experience for a Bran- tion and investment in Manitoba. don University geology student, with the in- tention of a undergraduate thesis project.

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 11 Annual Report 2010-11 20102010-11 Community Community Outreach Outreach Projects Projects

Digital Youth in Rural Manitoba

Project Partners: Souris and Glenwood Community Development Corporation, Dr. Doug Ramsey, Department of Rural Development, Brandon University

Funding Approved: $1,500

The use of information and communication technologies (ICT’s) is becoming in- creasingly important around the world, and within rural Manitoba.

Brandon Universities’ Department of Brandon University students administering Digital Rural Development along with the Souris and Youth Questionnaires, Feb. 11, 2010 Glenwood Community Development Corpora- Photo by Bev Lishka tion set out to study the patterns of ICT use among youth in rural Manitoba.

The goal of this study was to measure how often, and for what purposes, youth in Michelle Lemoine, a Brandon University nine Manitoba communities (Souris, Glen- geography student was hired as a research boro, Hartney, Boissevain, Melita, Deloraine, assistant for this project, proving valuable Pierson, Wawanesa, and Cartwright) utilized research experience with regard to; the de- ICT’s. velopment, and delivery of a survey, data entry, data analysis, and report writing.

The questionnaire was given to youth aged between 13 and 17 years old at a Career Conference organized by the schools and the Community Development Corporation, in Souris, Manitoba on Febru- ary 11, 2010.

The Brandon University student presented the findings of the project at the 2010 Prairie Association of Geographies Annual Conference in North Battleford, Sas- katchewan.

Student filling out ballot at Career Conference Photo by Bev Lishka

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 12 Annual Report 2010-11 20102010- 11Community Community Outreach Outreach Projects Projects

Prevalence of Rhizobacteria in Fairfax Brandon International Women’s Food Farmland Soil and Craft Market: Looking Back in Order to Move Forward

Project Partners: Kelly Dobson, Project Partners: Westman Immigrant Dobson Farms Ltd., Dr. Faiz Alani, Services, Dr. Johanna Leseho, Faculty of Biology Department, Brandon University Education, Brandon University

Funding Approved: $2,950 Funding Approved: $3,000.00

Dobson Farms Ltd. is a privately owned and operated farm located in Fairfax, In an effort to breakdown cultural bar- Manitoba. Dobson Farms Ltd, along with Dr. riers which limit new immigrants ability to par- Alani from the Department of Biology at ticipate in the community as a whole, West- Brandon University set out to investigate the man Immigrant Services, along with Brandon presence of soil-beneficial rhizobacteria and University, established the International their role in soil fertility. Women’s Food and Craft Market in the summer of 2010. The goal of this study was to asses the feasibility of utilizing rhizobacteria as a Over 40 women from Honduras, El bio-fertilizer for this Manitoba farm. Salvador, Columbia, Mexico, Ethiopia, China, and the Ukraine participated in the market A Brandon University biology student and over 2500 people attended the four mar- was hired to collect soil sample from the kets held. area, and isolate, identify, the rhizobacteria present in the soil. This project provided the This project hired a Brandon Univer- opportunity for the student to expand knowl- sity, Masters of Rural Development student, edge in energy, climate change, and green Karen Marchand to interview market partici- agriculture. pants, research similar The project’s goal is aimed to benefit markets, and rural Manitoban communities by reducing evaluate the the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, success of this and incorporating eco-friendly bio-fertilizer market. With into agricultural practices. By using applied the information biology this project opens new avenues for obtained, the green agriculture, thus incorporating science student will -based, eco-friendly farming practices in ru- produce a re- ral Manitoba. port to be distributed to community members and organizations regarding future development of more community driven self- sustaining markets which provide economic and social opportunities for recent immigrants in the Westman region.

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 13 Annual Report 2010-11 2010-11 Community Outreach Projects

Fresh Water Analysis of Killarney Limits on Seaweed Growth in Mani- Lake and Long River Watershed toba and a Test of Kelp Utilization as Fertilizer

Project Partners: Rick Korman, Killar- Project Partners: Michael Goodyear, ney School, Dr. Bill Paton, Biology De- Churchill Northern Studies Centre partment, Brandon University (CNSC), Dr. Terence McGonigle, Biology Department, Brandon University Funding Approved: $3,000 Funding Approved: $3,000 Like many of the recreational lakes throughout Manitoba, Lake Killarney suffers Throughout the northern hemisphere from extensive algal-blooms. These blue- seaweed kelp has been utilized as fertilizer. green algae present on the lake throughout Churchill, Manitoba has an abundance of kelp the summer months has significant impact and a study was initiated to assess the viabil- on the communities economic and social op- ity of long term sustainable use of the local portunities. These algal-blooms are the re- seaweed as fertilizer on a commercial scale. sult of eutrophication due to an excess of phosphates in the water. No detailed phos- Through this project, Vanessa Bodnar, phate budget has ever been completed for a Brandon University botony student has the lake. been hired for the summer months of 2011. During this time the student, supervised by For several years the Lake Killarney Dr. McGonigle, will strive to understand the Advisory Committee as well as the commu- seaweed distribution in Manitoba by formally nity have been interested in possible solu- documenting the relationship between rock- tions to this ongoing problem. weed and ice. A second goal for the project that will be undertaken during the 2011 sum- Before this can be done two major mer months is to test the utility of the rock- questions must be answered; first, lake weed for market-garden production, investi- phosphorus levels must be determined, and gating its feasibility to promote regional devel- it must also be determined if thermocline opment. forms anywhere on the lake. Vanessa has been selected as the Through this project, science stu- student for this project, and will be required dents from Killarney High School will be to; present a literature report, input data, as trained to analyze lake phosphate levels, well as analyze and present the findings of including phosphates found in lake bottom the project. This will be an essentially valu- sediments, and record this data in a mean- able addition to her undergraduate studies as ingful scientific manner. This valuable ex- it gives her hands on field experience, as well perience will allow students the opportunity as experience with all other aspects of re- to expand their knowledge and stimulate search. their already strong interest in the environment and community.

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 14 Annual Report 2010-11 SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS 2010-11

Service Learning Connecting Students and Community Organizations through Volunteer Activities

The Community Outreach Service introduced Service Learning in 2005 to encourage volunteer activities among Brandon University students and to recognize student volunteers for their contributions to the community.

The Service Learning program enables students to receive recognition on their transcripts for their volunteer services in community and non-for-profit organizations. The program acknowledges the value of activities beyond the academic setting, and provides an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills to the benefit of the community in which they live.

History of Service Learning Service Learning Guidelines A growing interest in service learning at The project should meet the needs of the universities across Canada stimulated the community organization and the education Outreach Advisory Committee to explore goals set by the student. opportunities in this area. The potential to involve students in Outreach Service Students are required to complete at least projects through their coursework, and 20 hours of service during the academic possibly developing new courses based year, including summer. (Hours are calcu- on the service learning pedagogy, garnered lated from the date of application). the interest of the Advisory Committee.

Two former Outreach Coordinators, Deatra Students may not receive annotations for Walsh and T. Keith Edmunds, pursued the projects in which they are receiving pay- Advisory Committee interest in this topic ment (stipends, scholarships, bursaries, and, with the involvement of the Committee etc.) however, compensation may be members, created various documents which allowed for expenses in some cases. This provided examples of service learning guideline is based on the Service Learning programs across Canada and presented definition of volunteer activities as those possible scenarios for a service learning for which monetary compensation or other program at Brandon University. One of forms of remuneration, beyond reimburse- these documents gave rationale for various ment for expenses, are not received. scenarios of service learning including course fee/no course fee, credit/no credit, Students may receive one annotation per classes/no classes, and organization/ school year, with a maximum of four anno- coordination. It also addressed potential tations. issues and solutions for a service learning program at BU. The Service Learning Committee (SLC) will determine whether or not approval is granted for As a result of the efforts of the Advisory a particular annotation. If granted, the SLC will Committee and Outreach Coordinator, this ensure that the Service Learning annotation, document was considered by the Senate together with the title of the project, will be Committee, which approved a service included on the student’s transcript. learning format in June 2005. (See Appendixes F, G and H)

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 15 Annual Report 2010-11 SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS 2010-11

Service Learning 2010-11 Service Learning Projects

60 Brandon University Students participated in Service Learning projects from April 2010 to March 2011, donating more than 1,200 hours in service to the community. Their volunteer activities included program coordination, student tutoring, event promotion and orientation, project marketing, and other duties. The following section offers an overview of some volunteer projects completed last year.

Volunteers at WUSC BandAid Fundraiser

BU Student Leader Coordinators’ meeting 2010

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 16 Annual Report 2010-11 Service Learning Projects 2010-11

World University Service of Canada Brandon University (WUSC) Local WUSC Committee Volunteers

A number of Brandon University students from arts, sciences and nursing received Service Learning recognition for their participation in WUSC activities.

“I have been volunteering with WUSC for 6 years now and it has changed my life. The WUSC is a national program linking people that I have met have given me lessons individuals in post-secondary education or- in humility and human strength beyond any- ganizations through programs and activities thing I could ever describe...WUSC has given fostering human development and global un- me the opportunity to travel to Ottawa on nu- derstanding. merous occasions and I have recently been accepted into a 4-month volunteer placement With more than 70 local committees with WUSC-Botswana in Gaborone, Bot- across the country, WUSC administers Stu- swana, Africa. Through WUSC, I have met dent Refugee programs, overseas projects, and a wide range of educational and advo- people from all across Canada and the world cacy activities. that have similar interests and passions. The contacts I have made and the experiences I have been engaged in have impacted my life Brandon University WUSC considerably. I truly believe that education changes the world and WUSC is a perfect ex- Local chapter of Brandon University ample of that statement in action.” WUSC was established in 1982. Since its inception, the local chapter has sponsored Brandy Robertson, WUSC Volunteer one refugee student each year, enabling close to thirty young people escaping war or persecution in their home countries, to continue their studies in Canada.

The Brandon University Student WUSC committee organizes a number of activities and fundraisers on an annual basis including Bike Drive for Africa, Shine a Light campaign promoting education of girls in refugee camps, annual Band-Aid fundraiser and others.

Each year, a number of Brandon Uni- versity volunteers participate in organizing WUSC activities. At the 2009 WUSC Annual Assembly in Ottawa, BU WUSC committee received the Local Committee award. WUSC Halloween Food Drive (WUSC files 2009)

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 17 Annual Report 2010-11 Service Learning Projects 2010-11

Brandon University Student Leader Program

This key program within the university orientation, The Student Leader Program helps new students settle in and find confidence during their transition to Brandon University.

The program involves upper level students assisting with transition programs through Brandon University Student Services.

The role of the Student Leader is to provide personal contact for new students and impact the experience they will have at Brandon University. BU Student Leader Coordinators (project files 2010) “Some of the benefits I gained from the program are better organizational skills and more experience in dealing with the public. This program compli- Student Leader Coordinators ments my future goal of becoming a Brandon University teacher.”

Student Leader Coordinator project participant, 2009. 49 Brandon University students completed their Service Learning projects as Student Leader Coordinators, The volunteers get the opportunity to en- hance their leadership and organizational skills, and gain valuable experience in team-building, public speaking, and inter- personal communication.

BU Student Leaders Coordinators’ meeting (project files 2009)

Brandon University Community Outreach Service Page 18 Annual Report 2010-11

Table of Contents