Welcome to the University of Alberta Senate Web site. The Senate is a unique, independent advisory body of community leaders which plays a critical role in linking with our community and enhancing the reputation of the University of Alberta. Information about the Senate, its role and work, and its members can be found on this site. 
 

 

Two new Senate programs are being piloted this winter

In February, the Senate will be piloting it's new Chancellor's Community Conversation Series. On February 8, the Chancellor and a small number of Senators will be traveling to Barrhead. There will be a small group session and a larger public session. The Chancellor and Senate want to engage in a dialogue with community members and learn what role the University currently has and what it could be. The second pilot for this program will take place in Wetaskiwin on February 22nd.

The second project being piloted is U School. This program is based on the Beyond the Classroom model of learning. The Open Minds Concept initiative gives teachers the opportunity to move their classrooms into the rich world beyond the school so that learning becomes deeper. Extended experiences in such sites as museum schools, zoos, city halls and nature centres are ideal catalysts for the “habits of mind” that help students to be the creative, curious, thoughtful citizens that our world needs. These sites are fascinating, educationally rich environments that engage students in exploration and discovery. A critical component of this concept is time: time for students to slow down and see the world, and time for teachers to slow down and see teaching and learning, and their children, in new ways. In fact this program has been shown to be a powerful tool in staff development for teachers. For them it is hands-on learning with one on one support.Classes in grades 2 to 6 from high needs schools (that's our focus) will come and spend a week at the University.

Guiding Principles of U School Project

• The project exposes children, their families, teachers and communities to future possibilities and brighter futures.
•  The project will engage and encourage students’ independent and critical thinking skills.
• The project will create a new ambassadorial corps for the U of A, including student participants and their families, teachers, and community members.
• The project will maximize the opportunities for the U of A to learn from student participants.
• The project will adopt an experiential and hands-on approach to learning.
• Engagement with classroom teachers is critical; they are in the driver’s seat.
• Project activities will tie in directly with the curriculum and school goals.

There will be three pilots in March—grades 3/4, 5 and 6. Everyone involved with the project is very excited!