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SPRING CLEANING!

Our team is doing some spring cleaning starting with user accounts. Login using your CAS credentials for instructions. We appreciate your speedy action so we can move onto other new and exciting initiatives over the summer.

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OLC!

BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS

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Join the community using your SFU CAS account. Then, complete your registration by clicking on your name located in the top right corner of the page.

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Share Your SFU Story 

Have a story to share about your time at SFU? Add your voice to the ever-expanding gallery of community stories on our SFU Stories page! Take about 15 minutes to reflect on your experiences at SFU, including, but not limited to, involvement in clubs, student unions, peer mentorship, and work opportunities. Share your story to educate, inspire, and connect the SFU community. Submissions are welcome year-round, from all years and faculties.

Everyone has a story! What's yours?

SUBMIT

NEW VIDEO SERIES

Multilingual SFU

SFU students (graduate and undergraduate,) staff and faculty share their multilingual experience and welcome you to multilingual week at SFU. Do you have a multilingual story to share? Add it to the OLC.

Watch

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Share Your SFU Story 

Have a story to share about your time at SFU? Add your voice to the ever-expanding gallery of community stories on our SFU Stories page! Take about 15 minutes to reflect on your experiences at SFU, including, but not limited to, involvement in clubs, student unions, peer mentorship, and work opportunities. Share your story to educate, inspire, and connect the SFU community. Submissions are welcome year-round, from all years and faculties.

Everyone has a story! What's yours?

SUBMIT

Changing Times: Stories to Inspire Hope and Resilience

 

Image of Priyanka Das
Blog
Discover Your True Self: 7 Tips to Develop Unwavering Self-Belief and Authenticity
Digital Resource Assistant

Take chances as you never know what opportunities may arise. Meet Priyanka Das, a Beedie Co-op student who’s working with SFU’s Communication and Marketing department as a Digital Resource Assistant. Learn more about how she landed her current co-op and other opportunities such as the CEOx1Day finalist by being authentic and believing in their abilities.

VOLUNTEER STORIES

 

FEATURED

Chinmayee's Picks

Chinmayee's Picks

OLC has things to help students go pro. Having been part of the OLC's technical team and coming from a tech background myself, I tend to skim through tech-related articles first, diving deeper into the ones that pique my interest. I've compiled a list of my favourite finds from the OLC website, considering them valuable assets for fellow students.

Jared's Picks

Jared's Picks

Working as an editor for the OLC has been such a positive learning experience and has help me connect with so many unique and engaging stories. I would like to share some of my favourite pieces that I had the pleasure of working on. Yes, their grammar and spelling is great and their writing voice is very personal but each of these had something special.

Serena's Picks

Serena's Picks

It's been an amazing four months as a Copy Editor here at the OLC. I've had the chance to work on a variety of content, and it's been quite a journey. The OLC is a unique space where students can explore and contribute to a wide range of topics. Choosing my top picks was tough with so much good stuff, but here are three pieces that really stood out to me.

FEATURED

Hustle Culture

Hustle Culture

When should you stop and take a break? How much work is too much work? In this episode of Diving Into the Everyday, join us as we explore what is hustle culture, looking at its rise in exposure, and why a person may feel this pressure to participate.

Experiencing A New Culture In Mexico

Experiencing A New Culture In Mexico

I learned a lot more about myself – new interests, being more adaptable, future ambitions, etc. It was one of the most unique and remarkable experiences in my lifetime.

7 Ways to Have a Successful Meeting With Your Supervisor or Team

7 Ways to Have a Successful Meeting With Your Supervisor or Team

If you are struggling to facilitate or actively participate in meetings, you are not alone, as many students share the same struggle in school projects, student clubs and the workplace.

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NEW VIDEO SERIES

Job Search in a Pandemic

New episodes of Career Conversations from SFU Career and Volunteer Services are released every Tuesday on the OLC. Tune in see your most burning questions about the world of work, volunteering, and career exploration answered by guests from diverse professional backgrounds and organizations across Canada.

Episode 3 features Kristina Lee, Director of the IT Division at Impact Recruitment. You don't want to miss her expert tips for job searching during the pandemic and how you can best show off your soft skills to employers.

Watch
person laughing

NEW VIDEO SERIES

Job Search in a Pandemic

New episodes of Career Conversations from SFU Career and Volunteer Services are released every Tuesday on the OLC. Tune in see your most burning questions about the world of work, volunteering, and career exploration answered by guests from diverse professional backgrounds and organizations across Canada.

Episode 3 features Kristina Lee, Director of the IT Division at Impact Recruitment. You don't want to miss her expert tips for job searching during the pandemic and how you can best show off your soft skills to employers.

Watch

NEW POST

Activism Burnout: An Interview with Registered Clinical Counsellors

In light of the increased visibility of injustices around the world, taking a stand and contributing to social justice is becoming more prominent in our everyday lives. As you learn and advocate about different injustices, you may experience activism burnout with added stressors such as balancing work, personal life, school, and extracurricular activities. SFU Health Peers interview Counsellors at Health and Counselling Services for advice.

Read

NEW POST

Why You Should Consider Submitting an SFU Story to the OLC

SFU Stories on the OLC are short-form, Instagram-style, narrative stories that help to build a welcoming SFU community. No matter how big or small, every story has something to offer. Share your story today!

Read

NEW POST

I’m Starting a Minor Late Into My Degree... Now What?

One of our OLC team members, Brianna Tsang, shares her experience of deciding her minor in her 3rd year at SFU. "The knowledge and genuine connections made throughout this process has been an amazing experience and opportunity to have."

Read

NEW POST

Social Media Addiction & Screen Fatigue: A Survival Guide for Jobs in Social Media

When it comes to social media and digital marketing positions, it’s easy to be blinded by the positives. After all, many Communication majors are fascinated by digital marketing and algorithms— and if you’re a digital native, creating social media content might already be second nature to you. Whether you manage social media for your organization or create external content, there are a few bonuses to consider.

Read

NEW STUDENT PODCAST

On the Spot with the OLC

The OLC team is extremely excited to introduce a brand new podcast titled On the Spot with the OLC. Your hosts, Mehtaab and Terae, discuss important topics revolving around community, engagement, education and overall life advice! Within these 12 episodes, your hosts aim to bring a well rounded perspective to a variety of topics as they believe they can provide insightful knowledge about what it's like to be an SFU student. Please make sure to have a listen!

Listen to Episode 1: Creating Community at SFU

NEW PODCAST ON THE OLC

StudioBytes

Welcome to Studio Bytes! A podcast inspired by the energy of the SIAT Studios and the memories students make in those spaces. This podcast invites Alumni back into the studio and we get to learn about their experiences at SIAT and their lives after. In Episode 2 meet SFU Alumni Marie Cheung who shares her experience at SFU, her life post SFU and her time in Europe

Listen to Episode 2: What is Service Design?

Login to Provide your Feedback!

Did you know that each landing page on the site has a feedback section for logged in users? We use this information to discover and fix issues, consider site improvements and addition of new features. Our tech team is focused on feature improvements this summer, so share your input to direct changes to the OLC.

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ABOUT

Our Learning Community

SFU's Our Learning Community has an incredible range of content created by and for the SFU community. This includes diverse and authentic stories, which show a range of inspirational knowledge sharing happening between students, as well as handy tools that help with learning anywhere and everywhere you are.
 
Discover how you can contribute to our ever-expanding learning community.

 

CONTRIBUTE
11267
Members Joined

 

2227
231
Projects Created

 

92
Series Compiled

 

EXPLORE

Recognizing that our SFU community members are versatile storytellers, the new OLC has expanded how you can tell your story. Come take a look by exploring into this brand new range of content curated by our editors; this includes Blogs, SFU Stories, Videos, and Podcasts. And remember, no matter where you are in your learning journey at SFU, we want to hear your story! Learn more on how you can contribute to the OLC.

 

 

EXPLORE
a phone screen showcasing Amazon stocks rising
Blog
Get Your Side Hustle On: A Student's Guide to Part-Time Work

As she puts it, grad student Srijani Datta has been a student for most of her life. To support her love of academia she has worked as a reporter, tutor, translator, transcriber, and content writer. Develop your own side-hustle with her tips. 

A person flexing
Blog
Just Like Bunko: Learning Strengths

Everyone has weaknesses. But its focusing on your strengths that grant you success in life.

A picture of Aslam sitting in front of a window.
Podcast
Building Community
A woman standing with a cardboard box on her head
Blog
How to Navigate Student Mindset Traps

When students enter their first or second Co-op work term, there can be a risk of falling into student mindset traps. These are the habits we pick up as students that are detrimental to our professional performance and development. Read on to learn more about how Bowen learned to avoid student mindset traps after four Co-op semesters working for three different companies.

READ

LEARN

SHARE

CONTRIBUTE

Videos

Read

Learn

Share

Contribute

There is so much to explore on the new OLC!

So, browse around and have fun with the new learning and storytelling tools. Found something not working?

EXPLORE

Recognizing that our SFU community members are versatile storytellers, the new OLC has expanded how you can tell your story. Come take a look by exploring this wider range of content including Blogs, SFU Stories, Videos, Experiential Learning Experiences, and Podcasts. And remember, no matter where you are in your learning journey at SFU, we want to hear your story! Learn more on how you can contribute to the OLC.

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THE LATEST

Catch up on the latest and freshest content from the SFU OLC. You're bound to find a fresh new perspective, the most current advice, and recently published stories that are sure to inspire you.

 

 

THE LATEST
Mark Thompson head shot
Blog
Making the Most of the Co-op Experience: The Case for a Diversified Co-op Portfolio

Ever wonder what type of factors you should take into consideration when seeking out Co-op placements? Mark reflects on his rewarding Co-op journey to make some recommendations on how to best take advantage of the Co-op program!

Monique Auger headshot
Blog
MA Student Seeks to Address Métis Mental Health Issues

Monique Auger, a proud Métis woman from Vancouver Island, thinks there is. She is using her Graduate Aboriginal Scholarship to pursue a master of science, in the Faculty of Health Sciences, to explore this issue.

Marlana and her family
Blog
Indigenous Career Journey Stories: Marlana “Kaneratenhawi” Thompson-Baker

My professor explained, learn the things you don't know, don't waste your time learning what you already know and don't waste time reinventing the wheel. Read Marlana's story of hard work and determination!

Valerie Bob
Blog
2015 Graduate Aboriginal Scholarships Awarded to Valerie Bob

At 58, Valerie Bob has had a long career in social services and education after earning a BA in social work and an MA in First Peoples’ education. Now, with the help of a Graduate Aboriginal Scholarship, she’s embarking on a PhD program that combines her interests in native language renewal and ceremonial music.

Justice for missing and murdered indigenous women
Blog
Beyond the Margins: Examining the Systemic Devaluing & Marginalization of Indigenous Women in Canada

This is a paper written by an Indigenous young male of Ojibway and Dene ancestry who wants to raise awareness on the plaguing social issue of murdered and missing Indigenous women. I dedicate this paper to all Indigenous women that remain missing or who have been murdered.

Jeffrey Reading
Blog
Research Chair to Lead Heart Health Research for First Nations Peoples

“I am very excited by the opportunity to focus on prevention of cardiovascular disease and to improve heart health and well-being among First Nations in British Columbia.” Jeffrey Reading

Veselin Jungic
Blog
Math Catcher and Its Founder Capture National Attention

Veselin Jungic, founder of SFU’s Math Catcher Program—Mathematics through Aboriginal storytelling—was honoured earlier this year when the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) selected him as a 3M National Teaching Fellow.

Marianne Ignace
Blog
First of Traditional Languages Apps Ready for Testing in New Year

Marianne Ignace has an ambitious plan. Within the next five years, she hopes to have developed language-learning apps for speakers and learners of some 12 First Nations languages in B.C. and Yukon.

Indigenous UBC-SFU logos
Blog
SFU/UBC Indigenous Graduate Symposium, “Indigenizing the Academy”

More than 120 guests attended the first SFU/UBC Indigenous Graduate Symposium, “Indigenizing the Academy,” at SFU’s downtown campus last March.

Tozo'kam singers
Blog
SFU Indigenous Day Shares Culture with Community

The Burnaby campus community was treated to the sights, sounds and tastes of Indigenous culture during the second annual SFU Indigenous Day in September.

Black Haida Canoe image
Blog
Haida Artist Bill Reid’s Black Eagle Canoe Finds New Home at SFU

Haida artist Bill Reid’s Black Eagle canoe is a symbol of knowledge, community and cultural regeneration, so its installation at SFU’s Burnaby campus is a fitting tribute to the University’s 50th Anniversary.

SFu summer camp
Blog
Summer Camp Prepares Students for University

Anika Robertson says the SFU Aboriginal camp exceeded her expectations and inspired her to aim for university.

Native woman college basketball team
Blog
Native Basketball Festival at SFU is Coming May 2016

More than 20 Aboriginal basketball teams from around B.C. and Alberta are expected to turn out for the second Native Basketball Tournament/Festival at SFU’s Burnaby campus on May 20-22, 2016

Nathalie Sinclair working with young child
Blog
Early-Number Learning and Language Revitalization a Dynamite Combination

SFU mathematics education professor Nathalie Sinclair has been working with the Ojibwe and Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations to translate her early-numbers mathematics app into their languages.

Phil Fontaine presenting
Blog
Beedie Hosts Phil Fontaine

“There is a notion that Aboriginal peoples are anti-development, when in fact we are very pro-development – but it must be responsible development,” said Fontaine

Lecture theatre with presenter
Blog
SFU Aboriginal Faculty Members to Increase

The Faculty of Education has just hired the first professor to be recruited under SFU’s Aboriginal Faculty Recruitment Plan.

Picture of Ian Campbell
Blog
EMBA Graduates to Blaze New Trails

SFU's EMBA The program’s second cohort began in September 2015 with 30 students, five of whom are not Aboriginal. Learn more about the graduates and the program.

Book cover of I am Woman
Blog
Indigenous Literature Series: Lee Maracle

Read about Indigenous scholar and author, Lee Maracle's book, "I Am Woman".

Hydrogen In Motion facility
Blog
Touch the Future of Hydrogen Storage

The future of energy belongs to hydrogen but you can be part of the future as well. Weilin discusses their experience as a Co-op student with Hydrogen In Motion Inc. at Powertech Labs Inc, where they were a part of the next generation power source and learned engineering knowledge throughout the whole process. 

Visier
Blog
Learning to Design
Danny shares how he has developed as a result of his UX design co-op experiences.
Laptop and smartphone on desk
Blog
Three Tips for Working from Home

My first co-op semester was somewhat different from a majority of the co-op positions that students apply for on Symplicity. I chose to do a self-directed co-op which had me primarily working from home.

Two hands holding each other
Blog
John Howard Society - Hobden House

Theresa did her co-op as a residence worker.  She shares about her learning experiences and her future goals.

Bernice Puzon
Blog
Beyond My Office Desk: The Community I Discovered in the Downtown Eastside

During her time with Union Gospel Mission, Bernice Puzon spent her 9-5, like most Communication Co-op students, behind a desk. But, it was also her time spent beyond her office desk that provided rich opportunities to grow and to lease a new perspective on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.  

 

Man standing on rock with arms spread looking out at mountain range
Blog
Four Tips to Overcome Failure

Have you ever found yourself frustrated, disappointed and in despair after not attaining what you set out to achieve? This blog will explore some essential tips that you could use to bounce back from failure. 

Parliament Buildings National Historic Site of Canada
Blog
Alcatel-Lucent University

General Studies student Zahra did her co-op in Ottawa in a business role.  She shares about her duties as a Program Coordinator. This article was originally published in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Summer 2012 newsletter.

Cover of the book, The Fourth World
Blog
Indigenous Literature Series: Grace J. M. W. Ouellette

Grace J.M.W. Ouellette's book, The Fourth World: An Indigenous Perspective on Feminism and Aboriginal Women's Activism.

Web of Job search
Blog
Nikki’s Co-op Job Search

Are you interested in joining Co-op and wondering what the process is like? Are you wondering when exactly you should be starting Co-op? This article provides insight on what the Co-op job search is really like through my own personal journey.

a close up of a laptop screen with a man jotting down notes in the background
Blog
What You Can Do Now to Make Your Resume Stand Out After Graduation

So, you’re at university to get yourself a degree, and that degree is going to get you the dream job that you’ve always wanted, right? After you graduate, maybe you’re thinking of sending a few resumes off, just to see what happens. Did you know that employers evaluate you on your resume before they even meet you? If you want to increase your chances of landing that dream job, you really need to make your resume stand out from all of the rest, especially if you want to land that interview.

Samaah Jaffer profile picture
Blog
@SFUVan Profile: Samaah Jaffer

Meet Samaah Jaffer, an Arts Co-op student who has worked at the US Consulate and SFU's Vancity Office of Community Engagement. Read about Samaah's experiences during these co-ops, and their invaluable advice for other students!

image of the author
Blog
6 Things Communication Students Can Include In Their Portfolio

Although important, your resume and cover letter don't do your skills complete justice. So, instead of simply telling a potential employer what you can do, Karen Leung discusses how to show them through selecting specific items to build your portfolio. 

Women wearing a black dress and sunglasses
Blog
Appropriate Workplace Attire: How To Dress Professionally Without Compromising Your Style

I’m a young and trendy fashionista. A self-identified accessory-lover. A student. And I’m obsessed with how to make a great impression at my new co-operative education job without compromising my style. This article highlights my opinions on how to dress professionally, while still maintaining your sense of style. 

Sheldan Manansala
Blog
Co-op Jobs Help Fulfill Iron Man Career Ambition

Inspired by his childhood hero, Iron Man, Sheldan eagerly accepts a co-op placement at Tesla. Read on to find out what his experience was like. 

View of the AQ exterior
Blog
5 Must Know Services at SFU

Not sure where to seek professional help? Having a mental breakdown over an assignment? Looking to improve your study habits? No worries! Here are 5 SFU services to help.

Alex Yoo taking a selfie
Blog
Volunteer Spotlight: Alex Yoo
Alex Yoo is a volunteer for the SFU OLC and he shares what he has learned from volunteering as a Social Media Content Curator.
Students graduating
Blog
Tips to the Top – Student Advice to Find Your Career Path

Attending post-secondary school gives endless possibilities. However, choosing a major or career can be overwhelming to the point where people get swept away in passionless choices. Here is some of the personal advice of experienced SFU students to help you choose your future major or career.

4 volunteers helping two community members by passing out food from behind a table of supplies
Blog
3 Reasons Why Volunteering in University is Good for Your Mental Health

Discover how volunteering influences your mental health and wellbeing. Learn about the ways your happiness, social relationships and feeling of purpose are affected by engaging in volunteer acts. 

Book cover of Iskwewak
Blog
Indigenous Literature Series: Janice Acoose

A summary of Janice Acoose's trail blazing book, Iskwewak kah’Ki Yaw Ni Wahkomakanak: Neither Indian Princess Nor Easy Squaw.

Chris
Blog
Student Success Story: Chris Macklin

I’ve always had a passion for helping people. For the longest time, I wasn’t sure how to apply this passion.

Ericsson_YongyiWu
Blog
Big-Data Student Applies Skills during Ericsson Co-op Placement

Yongyi Wu applies his newly acquired skills as one of the first cohorts of the Professional Master's Program in Big Data at his co-op work term with Ericsson's Research and Development Centre.

Erik Bainbridge Smiling
Blog
International Co-op: An Interview with Erik Bainbridge

Erik Bainbridge, a Political Science student, shares his international experience doing four work terms in three different positions in China and Hong Kong. He worked as an English teacher in Shandong, an Event Manager at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CamChamHK) in Hong Kong, and a Trade Intern for the Consulate General of Canada in China.

Halloween
Blog
Halloween at the Office: Costume 101

Halloween is just around the corner. Natalie shares her office-costume tips, successes, and lessons learned.