ACIFA Conference
One of the most enjoyable perks that is available to Faculty at SAIT is the involvement and participation in the annual ACIFA Conference. ACIFA is the mantra for Alberta Colleges Institutional Faculty Association. There are fifteen Provincial unionized Colleges under the ACIFA Banner, sixteen until Mount Royal College withdrew last year and are in the process of trying to affiliate with CAUT, Canadian Universities of Teachers. ACIFA is the vehicle by which the Post-Secondary Institutions in Alberta have an opportunity to showcase their individual Institutions.
The designated Institution for the year is responsible for creating and implementing a theme initiative. 2014’s College was Norquest and their theme was “Reaching New Heights”, *Collaborate *Communicate *Create. 2013’s College was Medicine Hat and their theme was “Facing Forward”. The ACIFA website has all the past participants and their themes since the inception of the Conference for anyone wishing to read more.
The Conference is an eclectic ensemble of short presentations. These short Seminars are delivered by a varied group of educators, from diverse backgrounds, all quite unique, sharing their innovative ideas and delivery methods. Some range from animated content to digital and graphic presentations. Numerous workshops are also offered, again in various subjects for those individuals who prefer to participate and dialogue in group discussions rather than just observe.
Meals are provided, breakfast, lunch and dinner, usually in the form of a Buffet with an impressive selection of cold and hot food items, followed by a decadent selection of pastries. The service is efficient and no one could find fault with the elegant ambience of the facilities in the Chateau Lake Louise or last year’s venue, the Jasper Park Lodge. These settings are ideal for relaxing, engaging with collegial counterparts, upgrading one’s knowledge and socializing in a professional and enriching environment.
Embracing all Educational interactions and enrichment is the corner stone of any progressive Post-Secondary Institution. It would be cataclysmic to suggest that Deans and Chairs at SAIT would not encourage and support their faculty in engaging in such a rewarding endeavor. The Conference is opened to ALL faculty members from any discipline.
The 2015 Conference will be Hosted by Portage College Faculty Association, their theme will be, “Pack, Paddles and Portages; Changing the Course”. The location for the Conference is the Chateau Lake Louise, May 25 to May 27, SAFA sponsors up to 30 members for this Conference, which is done on a first-come basis, to date we have a few spaces available. Contact the SAFA Office for more details.
“We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are”.
Max de Pree.
James McWilliams
SAFA President