2017 ACIFA Conference
Dear Colleagues.
The ACIFA Annual Conference for 2017, convened in the Coast Hotel in Canmore. Weather was most cooperative and mountain scenery was, as always, quite spectacular.
The Host of this year’s conference was Olds Faculty Association, and the theme for the Conference was: – Cultivating Connections/Teaching/ Learning & Wellness.
Sunday night was the reception and meet and greet. An opportunity for all attendees to meet old friends and new acquaintances.
Monday morning sessions began with the Keynote speaker, James M Lang from Assumption College, Worcester MA. His overview was on:-
LESSONS FROM THE SCIENCE OF LEARNING
The topic discussed ways of engaging students through a variety of techniques.
Sessions opened Monday after the keynote speaker.
I would like to thank the SAIT Instructors that presented at the Conference, their topics were interesting and in line with the Conference theme.
SAIT Presenters;
Chris Wharton ELF; Presentation on Cross –Institutional Collaboration in program Development and delivery. NAIT/SAIT/KEYANO, to establish a commonality in ELS among the colleges and trades –Automotive/plumber/electrician
Karyn Mart: Business: Presentation on Making it Real. Simulation method for providing students with challenges from the classroom to the office.
Sherryl Melnyk: Teaches English. Presentation: An exploration into the study of Happiness. Principles of happiness/what makes you happy/attitudes/ Positiveness/life circumstances/self-esteem/social connections.
The Coast Hotel in Canmore was a smaller venue than last year’s Jasper Park Lodge Conference. Number of attendees were somewhat less. Moreover, the Staff at the Coast Hotel were attentive to everyone’s needs. A buffet was provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A varied selection of foods was served, and no one went hungry!!
Monday evening Dinner/entertainment: Suzie Q
Anne Beukes; ACIFA President held a session on Tuesday Morning. It was an open form with emphasis on ACIFA going forward.
Tuesday evening Dinner/ entertainment: Kathleen Van Mourik Pianist. Tuesday Silent Auction
Additional activities: Tour of the Grizzly Bear Brewery/ Canmore Historical walk.
Yoga /Tai Chi/ Mystery Activity /Photo treasure Hunt/laughter yoga.
The highlight of the Conference for me was in presenting to one of our own Faculty – Jason Boyd, School of Hospitality and Tourism, The Distinguished Instructors Award 2107
Jason was selected from a large group of candidates from all the colleges within Alberta.
James McWilliams, President, SAIT Faculty Association.