Open Acadia

Thanks to the efforts of our speakers and the participation of our students, the 27th Annual Huggins High School Science Seminar was a great success.  Learn about the day's events by reading our recap on the Open Acadia blog, or by viewing the complete photo gallery on the Huggins Facebook page.

April 16, 2012

(Wolfville, NS)

Acadia University is inviting students to “Dive Into Science” on the 27^th anniversary of its Huggins High School Science Seminar.  On Friday, May 4, students from across Atlantic Canada in Grades 10-12 will visit the Acadia campus to explore topics of undersea science and critical thinking.

The speakers represent an array of topics and scientific disciplines.  Dr. Maia Hoeberechts will take students on a tour of NEPTUNE Canada, a fascinating network of undersea sensors and one of Canada’s largest-scale science projects.  Dr. Michael Stokesbury also looks beneath the ocean waves to discuss tracking of migratory species such as Atlantic bluefin tuna, and how the use of bioprobes can assist conservation efforts.

The event’s other presentations delve into ways we think about science.  Richard Zurawski, a meteorologist, writer, and host of a number of televised science programs, will turn a skeptical eye on the media’s questionable portrayal of science.  This year’s panel session takes the form of a “lifeboat debate”, where a panel of Acadia professors will engage in a lively discussion on why their scientific discipline is the most crucial.  The event is rounded out by Dr. Vlad Zamlynny’s chemistry show, a perennial favourite showcasing exciting demonstrations. 

“This year’s seminar builds on student feedback and the one-day format we established last year,” says Dr. Jeffrey Banks, Director of Open Acadia and former Head of the Department of Chemistry.  “Although we’ve established some common themes in this year’s seminar, Huggins is still about introducing students to many different ways of looking at science. We look forward to bringing the students together with some really fascinating people.”

Overnight accommodations prior to the seminar are available.  To register or learn more about the seminar, please visit the event website at http://huggins.acadiau.ca.

About Acadia

Acadia University, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, has long been recognized as one of Canada's premier post-secondary institutions. With its nationally and internationally recognized undergraduate and graduate research initiatives, small classes and technology-rich teaching and learning environment, Acadia offers students an experience that includes academic achievement combined with personal growth and development. Acadia also offers distance learning, certificate programs, language training, and other university extension programs through Open Acadia. For more information about Acadia University, visit our website at www.acadiau.ca.

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For more information, please contact Open Acadia:

Web: http://huggins.acadiau.ca

Email: openacadia@acadiau.ca

Tel: 902.585.1434  |  1.800.565.6568

Join Kathy Didkowsky as she recounts a 2000 kilometer hike of the Trans-Canada Trail chronicled in her book "Walking The Dream".  An experienced hiker, Kathy will share tips on long distance hiking and some of her favourite stories.

Fountain Learning Commons - Alumni Boardroom, Thursday March 29, 12-1pm.  For more information, please visit the Brown Bag Lunch Series homepage.

In this week's Acadia Lifelong Learning Brown Bag Lunch, we turn our attention inward to explore "Successes and Challenges at Acadia University".  Our special guest speaker is Dr. Tom Herman, Acadia's Vice-President Academic and a longstanding faculty member.

Dr. Herman will provide you with an opportunity to hear from one of the university's vice-presidents with regard to the successes and challenges that Acadia faces in the current economic, educational and demographic climates.

Please join us this Thursday, March 15, from 12-1pm in the Great Hall (second floor) of the Fountain Learning Commons.  

Everyone wants a little break every now and then. However, there are plenty of reasons to stay in Wolfville to study at Acadia for at least part of your summer. By taking intersession courses, you can pick up courses you need (ex. from changing disciplines or majors), concentrate on a difficult course, complete your degree faster, and more.

In our latest blog post, we'll spell out some of the key elements of studying during intersession at Acadia, and address many of the common questions we hear from students.

Registration is now open for all four on-campus Spring & Summer sessions. Spring & Summer courses are available from May through July, and provide a great opportunity for you to get ahead for next year or pick up a course you need. You can choose from a variety of courses across all faculties, and complete 3 credit-hour courses in only three weeks. And don't forget, there's over 100 online courses to choose from, too. Online courses are the perfect option if you'd like to fit in some study around your summer activities and work commitments.

Please visit our Spring and Summer page for more details about registration and important dates and deadlines.

Our latest blog post provides a brief 2011 recap, and a few hints on what to look forward to in 2012.

Please note that Open Acadia will be closed from December 24 through January 2 for Winter Break: regular office hours resume Tuesday, January 3.  Happy holidays!

Get the inside scoop on Acadia's Online Learning courses with this new video that profiles our students, faculty, and staff.

Our tentative list of Spring & Summer 2012 courses is now available (PDF).  This year, Acadia will be offering Spring & Summer courses in four terms from May 7 to July 27.  

For more information, including a complete set of dates and deadlines, please visit the Spring & Summer homepage.

 

In our latest post on the Open Acadia Blog, we take a look at the learning experience of Sue Mckean in Dr. Jeanette Auger's SOCI 3393: Special Topics in Death and Dying.

Acadia's student body of online learners is comprised not only of traditional undergraduates, but of people from all walks of life.  Our post discusses how Sue used her online course's project option as a launching point to create a comprehensive classroom resource on a very delicate, difficult topic.  

One of the most important functions of Open Acadia is to collaborate with other campus groups to deliver academic programming in new ways.  In this news article from our neighbours in ACSBE (Acadia Centre for Social & Business Entrepreneurship), we discuss our joint ventures in providing online education for small businesses and business advisors.

In the latest Open Acadia Blog post, we conclude our two-part series on the mechanics of Online Learning at Acadia.  Visit the blog to learn more about what you can expect in an online course environment.

Take a look at the Open Acadia Blog for our latest entry, "Online Learning in Real Life".  In this first of two posts, we'll discuss the basic mechanics of online learning at Acadia, addressing some common misconceptions and uncertainties.  

This week's Brown Bag Lunch will take place Thursday, October 20 in the Alumni Boardroom of the Fountain Learning Commons.  

Presenter Shannon Parker is an Annapolis Valley native and the Curator of Collections of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.  Shannon will discuss the purpose of such an institution in the cultural life of the province as well as identify some of the Gallery's artists, acquisitions, and traveling exhibits.

Please visit the Brown Bag Lunch Series page for a full list of this fall's speakers.

This week's Brown Bag Lunch will take place Thursday, October 13 in the Alumni Boardroom of the Fountain Learning Commons.  

The Sinclair House Inn is Canada's second-oldest wooden-frame house and adopts a unique approach to revealing its history to the visitor by literally pealing back the layers to expose the building's origins and transitions over the course of time.  Who better to take us on an illustrated tour of this special historical site than animator Ken Maher, the self-styled "speed-bump of Annapolis Royal" who often sits outside the Inn carving handles for antiquated tools until tourists stroll close enough to be enticed inside this unique structure by his wit and stories.

Please visit the Brown Bag Lunch Series page for a full list of this fall's speakers.

Read the latest entry of the Open Acadia Blog for a quick recap of our summer months and the latest online courses.

This week on the Open Acadia Blog, we take an introductory look at Acadia Lifelong Learning, Acadia University's program for adults age 50+.  Visit our blog to learn about this engaging community program and the talented members that drive its success. 

We've just launched the new Open Acadia Blog with an article about our EAP Culture Class.  In this post, EAP instructor and Culture Class coordinator Chad Warren shares his insights on the student experience, easing students in their transition, and what we’ve learned from student participation.

This week wraps up another successful series of Spring & Summer semesters for our students, faculty, and staff.  In 2011, Open Acadia received more than 1200 student registrations in over 80 on-campus courses.  Our 2-week French Proficiency Institute had more than 80 course enrolments, and 9 students will be graduating from this certificate program in October 2011.  Thank you all for making Acadia University a part of your summer!

Local military and community members are invited to participate in the latest Acadia University course to be offered on-site at 14 Wing Greenwood, BUSI 3613 - Business Law 1.  The course will take place Wednesdays at 3-6pm, from September 14 to December 7.  Please visit our Certificate in Business Management page for more information.

April 4, 2011

(Wolfville, NS)

Acadia University’s Huggins High School Science Seminar is celebrating its 26th anniversary with a fresh lineup of speakers exploring topics grabbed from the headlines.  On Friday, May 6, students from across Atlantic Canada in Grades 10-12 will have the opportunity to engage with those leading scientists on the Acadia campus.

The speakers represent an array of specialties and interests.  Dr. Ken Lee, Canada’s leading consultant to the American efforts in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, will share some of the complicated science behind offshore energy, with a particular focus on spills and countermeasures.  The seminar will also feature a lively panel discussion from a cross-disciplinary group of philosophy, neuroscience, and computer science professors.  This “Are machines capable of human intelligence?” panel will consider the recent evolution of artificial intelligence—including the groundbreaking performance of IBM’s “Watson” on Jeopardy—and where its future may lead.  A third keynote presentation from Acadia’s Dr. Randy Lynn Newman will delve into cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques used to study the mental processes of reading development and disability.

“The Huggins seminar is one of the university’s cherished annual events,” says Dr. Jeffrey Banks, acting Director of Open Acadia and formerly Head of the Department of Chemistry.  “We try to strike a balance between incorporating the event’s traditions, like the chemistry show, and bringing something new to the table every year.  We’re confident that this year’s seminar lineup will appeal to students of various interests.”  The university is also hopeful that this year’s one-day, Friday format will make the seminar more accessible to students.  

All three keynote presentations will also be available to schools and the general public for free online viewing after the seminar concludes.  

To register or learn more about the seminar, please visit the event website at http://huggins.acadiau.ca.

About Acadia
Acadia University, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, has long been recognized as one of Canada's premier post-secondary institutions. With its nationally and internationally recognized undergraduate and graduate research initiatives, small classes and technology-rich teaching and learning environment, Acadia offers students an experience that includes academic achievement combined with personal growth and development. Acadia also offers distance learning, certificate programs, language training, and other university extension programs through Open Acadia. For more information about Acadia University, visit our website at www.acadiau.ca.

###

For more information, please contact Open Acadia:

Web: http://huggins.acadiau.ca
Email: openacadia@acadiau.ca
Tel: 902.585.1434  |  1.800.565.6568

We’ve been working behind the scenes to make openacadia.ca a friendlier and more helpful destination for both new and current students.  Today, we’ve rolled out a remodelled website featuring a new design, new features, and expanded content.  Here are a few of the highlights:

• Out with the old, in with the blue: We’ve dropped our grey colour scheme in favour of the classic Acadia red, white, and blue palette.  The top area has been replaced with a cleaner menu that combines all program choices into one central menu.
• Quick clicks: We’ve grouped frequently used task items and links into two prominent locations, making it easier to find many of the items our students often look for.  The Quick Links area at the bottom of every page points to a number of our common program areas and in-demand items (online course login, Acadia Central, Acadia bookstore, etc.), while the Client Service menu item contains a number of new FAQs lists combined into one page, as well as a one-stop-shop for many of the most commonly used registration forms for various programs.
• Steps to success: Undergraduate and Graduate programs have revamped “Prospective Students” pages that guide students through the various registration processes and important information.
• Interested yet?: The new “I am Interested In” menu on the homepage groups our programs into a number of categories like Online Learning and Teaching and Education so you can easily find opportunities relevant to you.
• Hot off the presses: All news items and RSS feeds are categorized and conveniently grouped together in the Newsroom page.

The website will continue to evolve over time and incorporate more of the insight we learn from our students, faculty, and staff.  If you have comments about the new design or would like to report a technical issue, please click the Feedback link, now found in the bottom right-hand corner of every page.

Please note that the following online courses now have new course numbers.

Nutr 2503 (Human Nutrition 1) is now Nutr 1313
Nutr 2513 (Human Nutrition 2) is now Nutr 1323
Nutr 1513 (Food and People) is now Nutr 2323
Biol 3013 (Marine Biology) is now Biol 2563

Everyone wants a little break every now and then. However, there are plenty of reasons to stay in Wolfville to study at Acadia for at least part of your summer. By taking intersession courses, you can pick up courses you need (ex. from changing disciplines or majors), concentrate on a difficult course, complete your degree faster, and more.

In our latest blog post, we'll spell out some of the key elements of studying during intersession at Acadia, and address many of the common questions we hear from students.

Registration is now available for Acadia's selection of 2012 Spring & Summer courses.  To learn more, visit our Spring & Summer page, or register through Acadia Central (current students).

In the latest blog post, "Breaking Out", we pick up the thread of our "Bright Ideas in Death and Dying" post by featuring another example of a student applying coursework beyond the course itself.  Student Monique Romagnano reflects upon her online/on-campus experience with Acadia's Certificate in French Proficiency, and the surprise of being selected for an academic journal for the first time.

Get the inside scoop on Acadia's Online Learning courses with this new video that profiles our students, faculty, and staff.

Our tentative list of Spring & Summer 2012 courses is now available (PDF).  This year, Acadia will be offering Spring & Summer courses in four terms from May 7 to July 27.  

For more information, including a complete set of dates and deadlines, please visit the Spring & Summer homepage.

 

In our latest post on the Open Acadia Blog, we take a look at the learning experience of Sue Mckean in Dr. Jeanette Auger's SOCI 3393: Special Topics in Death and Dying.

Acadia's student body of online learners is comprised not only of traditional undergraduates, but of people from all walks of life.  Our post discusses how Sue used her online course's project option as a launching point to create a comprehensive classroom resource on a very delicate, difficult topic.  

 

Take a look at the Open Acadia Blog for our latest entry, "Online Learning in Real Life".  In this first of two posts, we'll discuss the basic mechanics of online learning at Acadia, addressing some common misconceptions and uncertainties.  

Read the latest entry of the Open Acadia Blog for a quick recap of our summer months and the latest online courses.

Acadia’s TESOL Certificate has proved to be the perfect choice for students interested in teaching English in Canada or overseas.  In addition to the popular online version of the TESOL Certificate, we are once again offering the certificate’s three courses on-campus this year.  The courses are taught in a hybrid style, incorporating both traditional in-class lectures and online components.  Although you can choose to enroll in only one or two of the courses, all three courses are taught in concert, and they share the same timeslot (Wednesdays from 6:00-9:30) throughout the Fall-Winter terms. 

Course information:

• EDUC 4673 Teaching English as a Second Language
• EDUC 4683 Linguistics for Teachers 1
• EDUC 4863 Acquisition of Language

This week wraps up another successful series of Spring & Summer semesters for our students, faculty, and staff.  In 2011, Open Acadia received more than 1200 student registrations in over 80 on-campus courses.  Our 2-week French Proficiency Institute had more than 80 course enrolments, and 9 students will be graduating from this certificate program in October 2011.  Thank you all for making Acadia University a part of your summer!

With our latest online course, Acadia is offering a fresh take on biology.  Professor Eric Alcorn’s new BIOL 1113 (Organisms and their Environment 1) course is built on the principle that understanding biology comes from practicing biology: to truly appreciate the living world around you, you'll have to look beyond your laptop and textbook.  To this end, the educational experience in BIOL 1113 extends beyond traditional online self-study to encompass real-world learning situations.  Environmental reflection projects and both virtual and field- based self-directed activities will help you gain a better understanding of basic biology field work, microscopy, and more.  These activities ensure that you can study anywhere, anytime and receive a complete course experience without having to visit a laboratory.  You will also develop your skills in scientific writing and applying the scientific method.

Registration is available now; click here to learn more. 

Local military and community members are invited to participate in the latest Acadia University course to be offered on-site at 14 Wing Greenwood, BUSI 3613 - Business Law 1.  The course will take place Wednesdays at 3-6pm, from September 14 to December 7.  Please visit our Certificate in Business Management page for more information.

Visit the Open Acadia Blog for a new article about our EAP Culture Class.  In this post, EAP instructor and Culture Class coordinator Chad Warren shares his insights on how Culture Class works and the kind of experiences our students enjoy.

Visit Open Acadia's YouTube or facebook pages to watch new videos featuring EAP students from Russia, Iran, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.