Infosilem
Date: (Monday, March 1, 2010)
Students of Red Deer College,
Beginning today, a group of concerned students have circulated a document called “RDC When you get here you understand: only the bottom line matters$$$” which outlines their concerns around Infosilem, RDC’s new scheduling software The issues raised in this document include but are not limited to: class hours that run on times and days that are inconvenient for students, class schedule conflicts, and the end of the traditional M/W/F or T/TR schedule.
These, like all issues that affect students, have been and will continue to be a top priority for the Students’ Association of Red Deer College (SARDC). Last fall, the SARDC became aware of issues surrounding Infosilem and raised these concerns with the Faculty Association of Red Deer College (FARDC). At that time, the FARDC advised us that the issues were being dealt with.
Students have been asking, “What is the Students’ Association doing about this situation?”
Currently, the SARDC is recommending that the College Administration meet with both the FARDC and the SARDC to discuss possible solutions to this issue. We are also suggesting that the College host an information session to respond to concerns and questions regarding Infosilem.
SARDC President, Steven Kwasny, has met with the Registrar, talked to a number of concerned faculty, has been in contact the Vice President Academic office, and will be meeting with the RDC President tomorrow morning to voice student concerns. The SARDC Executive has heard many student concerns and these concerns will be brought forward to the College.
From our understanding, there has been no change in policy. The new scheduling software adheres to the same policy the College currently follows, and institutions around Canada have been using similar scheduling software for over ten years.
SARDC understands the concerns regarding this change in method of scheduling, but it is impossible to discern any positive or negative outcomes of this change at this time.
In light of the new scheduling software, an appeal process has been put in place to accommodate faculty with scheduling conflicts.
The College has implemented this scheduling software for the following three reasons: it increases flexibility in course delivery times; it maximizes the use of space within the College; it is more cost effective for the College which in the end lessens the financial pressures on students and the institution.
It is important to note that the SARDC did not produce the aforementioned document “RDC When you get here you understand: only the bottom line matters$$$” and that no Students’ Association Executive has officially announced intention to run for re-election.
The SARDC will continue to advocate student concerns regarding the new scheduling software, as well as all other student issues. We will inform and update students of the process regarding Infosilem as it unfolds. We, the SARDC, wish to convey our intent make this process as transparent as possible by maintaining an open dialogue between students, faculty, and college administration.
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please contact any of your Students’ Association Executives.
Sincerely,
Steven Kwasny,
President, The Students’ Association of Red Deer College
(403) 356-4976
steven.kwasny@rdc.ab.ca
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Hey everyone, my name is Steven Kwasny. It is my pleasure this year to serve as your SA President.