Vancouver Island University (Artful Cover-up by Ministry?)

[ravensdreams]

Stan Hagen, has been moved to agriculture or something like that in the Cabinet Shuffle. The beat goes on...and on...and on...

[ospreylookout]

Has anyone been reading the Vancouver Sun, June 11, or Maclean's online?? Amazing reading if you are a student in BC's post-secondary education system....think twice about coming from out of province.....Ooops, that was my inside voice....

[ronfham]

On May 13, Advanced ed. critic Rob Fleming spoke in the legislature, he used our case to illustrate how the system is failing students. When speaking about the new University status he noted that our situation will remain the same. We will still need Ministry approval to implement new degrees and can be denied without explanation.

Rob gave a detailed and insightful explanation of our problem. His comments can be viewed on line at hansard on the bc legislature website. Well done Rob Fleming!

[ravensdreams]

Yes well done Rob Fleming, Unfortunately it all seems to be falling on deaf ears. With everyone gone for summer holidays they are still hoping we get bored, and tired and broke and just shut the hell up and go away. I am discouraged and disgusted by all involved who are interested merely in protecting and bolstering their own reputations at the expense of students welfare and futures.

[ospreylookout]

Ravensdream will be popping by shortly, however, I would suggest that you contact MLA Krog's office to be included in the email news about this issue...there has been some mildy interesting news....but more importantly, you can make your voice heard through a means that might lead to success.

[coopstah]

What we know so far:

I saw the May 8th response from VIU President Nilson to Mayor Korpan and the council's request to help support us. Nilson provided no information by which the council could make an appeal on our behalf. I'm confused why it seems our institution won't even support us. Could Ron or others post what we know for sure so far, this whole affair is so muddled for me... thanks.

[ravensdreams]

I guess Nilson has better things to do. Art Students spend on average 1000.00 for supplies @ bookstore, plus 1500.00 per semester tuition. Lets see thats 5000.00 per year per student x 20 students in this situation for a total of 100,000.00 Guess they may feel the pinch along with budget cuts. I am disgusted at this point with the President of VIU

[ronfham]

we are quiet but not absent, still waters run deep

[ravensdreams]

I wish to thank the continued support of students of Vancouver Island University...the good fight is never over until the masses accept living the lives of quiet desperation. This is the beginning not the end! Gathering of strength of forces for the lawn of the parliament buildings, or perhaps a peaceful demonstration outside of the Minsiter for the Arts, Sports and Culture in British Columbia may be next. With the coming olympics, I am sure that this would not be welcomed by the Ministry?

[ronfham]

Whatever fate should befall the Artists of Nanaimo, this is a great video! It proves the quality of the program at Old MalU. What a shame that political pressure has corrupted the process and our potential defenders.

[ronfham]

CBC Radio finds the video worthy of investigation! tune in tomorrow at 7am

[ronfham]

Respect, Respect

[ronfham]

Nanaimo is being given no repect

The students are given no repect

Such an arrogant attitude reminds of of a bunch of headless French men and women.

LET'S EAT CAKE!

[ronfham]

I can't wait for the election to cast my vote.

[ronfham]

A picture is worth a thousand words

[ospreylookout]

And sometimes it is good to know when not to use a stick, but a pen.

[ronfham]

Bullies are the same everywhere, sometimes they need a poke in the eye. good job Ravensdreams

[ronfham]

good, let me know what he says

[ospreylookout]

I meant that I would (suggest) that these students write an organized letter, and go at it like that. Seek clarification. The pen is mightier that the sword, and all that.

[ospreylookout]

I would send an email to the Murray Coell, and ask for clarification, a reasonable request.

[ronfham]

They do not have to explain themselves to anyone period. Or so they think. The reply last week from Ruth Wittenberg was bs and doubletalk with no real solutions to any of our issues.

[ospreylookout]

It would be of benefit to ask the ministry for clarification vis a vis a written explanation to your query.

[ronfham]

How can any elected offcial act in this way? They are totally disregarding our issues and losses and feathering their own nests. I am DISGUSTED once again. This is a serious loss for VIU. As well as Nanaimo and their aspirations to be a cultural hub.

[ronfham]

Message incoming; The Ministry does not have to explain itself, they have a plan and it does not include VIU and Nanaimo. We are not getting an art degree period. I was told this today.

[ravensdreams]

The countdown continues!

[ronfham]

Tick Tock Tick Tock

[ronfham]

I believe in the power of the Internet. Amen.

[ravensdreams]

If anyone wishes to email me privately, you can do so by clicking on the RAVENSDREAMS link at top right of the page. Your questions and/or concerns will remain private. I realize some people do not feel comfortable having their identity exposed by leaving comments here. I assure you, I will keep all private comments anonymous.

[ronfham]

good on you Raven. Thanks for watching the sheep and sounding the alarm

[ospreylookout]

Another very good point....

"NANAIMO, British Columbia, June 25, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, today announced that the municipality of Nanaimo has been designated the 2008 Cultural Capital of Canada in the 50 000 to 125 000 population category."

It looks to me like Dr. James Lunney should be on the receiving end of these messages as well...

[gailbeer]

Nanaimo has been named Canada's arts capital for 2008! It would be appropriate if we had a BA Visual Arts Major approved for our university. Ravensdreams, you know how to make art speak--way to go!

[ravensdreams]

Wow Really? Who named it that? It would be exceedingly appropriate if the Nanaimo Campus offered Valuable Arts Programs in this case! Thanks for your comments!

[ospreylookout]

I am sure the guy who wrote this is just kidding around, right....kind of like saying something so outrageous that people see that the reality is something far from what is written.....Maybe he is a student, or a single mom, or a senior on a fixed income, or hmmmm, some poor person who never wanted to be living on the street. Or, maybe he is one of those people who is really making a comment on declining food availability in the world.....ya, that's it....not.

[ravensdreams]

The Daily News

Published: Thursday, May 01, 2008

There never has been a time in Nanaimo's history when we have benefited so much from provincial government decisions as we have in the past few months.

Since the beginning of March, Premier Gordon Campbell has announced funding for the airport, the cruise ship dock, the conference centre and now the transformation of Malaspina University-College into Vancouver Island University.

[ravensdreams]

(the article goes on to say further):"Credit must be given to the co-operative spirit that has emerged in Nanaimo to make these projects a reality, but at the end of the day it was MLA Ron Cantelon and the premier himself who really delivered.

Now it's Nanaimo's turn to turn future opportunities for the future for all of Nanaimo by electing a B.C. Liberal candidate in the election next May."

Stu Donaldson

Nanaimo"

[ospreylookout]

Please share if you see Letters to the Editor in the local papers of Nanaimo, Parksville/Qualicum, or Comox......It would be fascinating to see how these politicians respond to talent used for exposure.

[ronfham]

Will the first degree program approved for VIU be an Art Major??????? Time to see the light Stan, Murray and Gordon.

[ravensdreams]

Wouldn't that be a beneficial move on everyone's part?! I am me as you are he and we are all together.

[ghostkid12345]

WOW, how fitting are those depictions of what the "honourable" hagen really is. Keep on keeping on ;-D

[Lmfaohotnudevideos]

Raven, you are a true patriot of the arts. I will see you on that lawn.

[ronfham]

WOW, don't irritate an artist, way to use the medium. The references to our chosen field are excellent and the music...awesome. can't go wrong with john. oink oink

[ravensdreams]

Thanks for the support ronfham! Wish others would take the 5-10 minutes to login and post their comments/questions. This is not just for current students @ VIU...it is for prospective students and their future, as well as the faculty who have worked so hard volunteering hours and hours and people like yourself who have spent time and money to petition local MLAs for support! Please people spend a few minutes to lend us a hand!

[ronfham]

Just gets better don't it

[ospreylookout]

I LOVE IT!!! Whoever you are, you make me stop and think about what the heck is going on in my backyard, and beyond.  I hope you have sent this to as many people as you can think of....but don't stop there....I would love to see some folks wearing sandwich boards, engaged in a nice peaceful protest march outside City Hall......

[ravensdreams]

I'm working on the mailing list now...preparing one for the "body politic" who ought to be concerned! We have ideas in the works for a "peaceful protest"...why stop at city hall? There is a large lawn space outside the Parliament Building! wooooohoooooo!

[tight43]

Please

Try to remember the Alimo

[ospreylookout]

"Alamo" notwithstanding, what is the significance of your comment??