Grant MacEwan College is offering an open house for the Correctional Services Program. It will be at 6:30 pm on the South Campus on March 16th. There are also upcoming open house events at the college. For more information see the website www.macewan.ca.

Lakeland College offers a 1 year program for students with mild developmental disabilities make the transition to the work world. Students attend classes in the first part of the year and also begin work placements. Later, they work full time. Residence options are available. Contact Lakeland College for more information.

The University of Alberta is implementing a pilot project for the fall of 2010. It is called Early Final Admission. I am having difficulty understanding exactly what it means but it appears that students who have a 90% average in the required courses for their program are not only given an early admission but that it also an approved admission. Most post – secondary places have early admission but it is based on waiting for other submissions and your second semester marks. This is still probationary in that you have to maintain good standing in your second semester courses but for some students it lets them know they have a spot in the classroom.

This only applies to some of the programs: agriculture, science, nursing, art, Augustana, native studies, PE, and Faculty Saint-Jean. Here is a a copy of the document that came out in an email.

A scholarship for $2000 is available to students attending a post-secondary institution. The student must submit a 1000-1100 word essay on a pre-determined topic. Deadline is the end of February. The essays are judged and one award is given. For more information go to the website for the Alberta Press.

This is a “new” scholarship in that it is the first time I’ve heard about it. And it appears to be a great opportunity. The bursary offers $1500 for 115 students in Alberta. The application is simple and the award is given to those students in financial need. The deadline is March 1st.

St. Mary’s University College in Calgary is now offering a unique program. It is a Bachelor of Education (Elementary). It is unique in that it is specifically directed to the formation of teachers to serve in the Catholic school system. The program is open to qualified studetns who have completed a BA degree.

The Christian College Guide asked some of its readers for advice on visiting colleges. It’s a great way to make get information about your future when you have to decide between two or three acceptance letters. Here is a summary of what they say you should do to get the most out of your college visit.

• Meet some Professors – you get to know the teaching style of the college and how they interact with students.
• Two are Better than One – visit two or more colleges.
• Get in a Classroom – its the place you are going to be spending your days!
• Stay overnight in one of the dorms – the second place you spend your time.
• Keep your Interests in Mind – visit the areas of the college that involve your passion. Why tour the science dept. if you want to take music?

Concordia University is hosting several events to get to know their programs.

Open House is held on Oct. 25, 2008 and on March 7, 2009

CU@Concordia events are held on Oct. 10 and Nov. 14, 2008 and on Feb. 27 and April 3, 2009.

Go to www.concordia.ab.ca/visit for more information.

Visit Olds College and see the campus and learn about their programs. The open house is scheduled for October 17th. To register for the event go to www.oldscollege.ca/discoveryday or call Lawna at 1-800-661-6537.

1. Application deadline for the Academic Excellence Scholarship is Dec. 15, 2008.
2. New publications can be found at www.registar.ualberta.ca/publications
3. Open House 2008 is on Sept. 20th
4. All Roads Lead to U is an orientation for rural students and is held on Sept 19th – 20th.