Students DASSH to their futures

New social sciences and humanities program ensures Langara students are employable

By MATHILDA DE VILLIERS

| angara College launched a new diploma program and it is the only one of its kind in

the country.

Diploma in Applied Social Sci- ences and Humanities (DASSH) aspires to prepare students with an employable skill set and the tradi- tional theoretical knowledge about social sciences and humanities.

The

program is composed of | numerous — social

sciences and hu- manities courses | and two main ap- plied components including an elec- | tronic portfolio and an opportu- nity for students

to work alongside Colin Mills an organization in aoapniwator

the field as part of their last course in the program.

“Twanted to design a program that would answer the criticisms that were being made to social sciences and humanities.”

— JOHN RUSSELL, INSTRUCTOR

Laura Cullen, division chair of social sciences, said students “will also acquire the ‘soft’ skills employ- ers look for these days, for example, teamwork, communication, presen- tation skills, research, and problem- solving.”

Program coordinator for DASSH Colin Mills, said that he is excited about the future of the program.

“The idea with [it] is providing not only the social sciences and hu- manities but applicable usable skills that students can take with them,” Mills said.

He said those skills are important to enhance the student’s employ- ability.

‘The program is only in its early stages and already has 30 applicants for next year.

Mills expects that number to keep growing.

John Russell, a philosophy in- structor at Langara, came up with the idea four years ago. “I wanted to design a program that would an- swer the criticisms that were being made to social sciences and human- ities,” Russell said.

It was only when Russell and Mills were put in touch with one another that the program became a reality. “It wouldn't have happened if Colin and I hadn't been put to- gether,” Russell said.

Tim Stevenson makes a speech at the 2018 Langara College Outstanding Alumni Awards. !ANGARA COLLEGE SUBMITTED PHOTO

Activist receives award

Langaras Outstanding Alumni Award goes to Tim Stevenson

By JOE AYRES

olitician, ordained minister and gay rights activist Tim Stevenson has received an Outstanding Alumni award from Langara College.

“As a gay person, 20 years ago they would not have been holding me up saying, ‘hey guess what? we have this gay activist”, Stevenson said, “It’s kind of amazing how far things have come that a gay activist would get an outstanding alumni

” award.

Stevenson took general studies while at Langara before going to UBC for religious studies, the sub- ject he has now taught for 25 years and was one of the students to par- ticipate in the original great trek to 49th avenue in 1972.

“T want to try to relay to students that anything is possible, you can do it. Believe me, if I can do it anybody can do it. ] am by no means special in any way at all,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson also commends Lan- gara for its welcoming atmosphere.

“Going to university is intimidat- ing and I think Langara is a lot less intimidating,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson entered politics in 1995 and became B.C.’s first openly gay MLA and Canada’s first openly gay cabinet minister.

In 2002 he was elected to Van- couver city council until he retired from politics this year.

Stevenson is also the first openly gay minister to be ordained in Can- ada.

In 2003 Stevenson performed the

first same-sex marriage in B.C.

‘The ceremony was performed on the courthouse steps, moments af- ter same-sex marriage became legal in the province.

Janet Gearchambers, a colleague and fellow minister of Stevenson’, said she is happy that students at Langara are able to be taught by Stevenson.

“Young people are spending a semester with him thinking about spiritual life. Langara couldn't have had anyone more able for that task in a way that has such authenticity, integrity, openness, and curiosity.”

“T think we should have a lot of gratitude for him in Vancouver,” said Anne Kristiansen, a professor who works closely with Stevenson at Langara.

The RCMP keeps a close eye on homosex- uals in Ottawa and other cities.

Canada decriminal- izes homosexual acts between consenting adults, receiving royal assent on June 27.

Vancouver hosts the 2010 Winter Olympics which included the first-ever Pride House for LGBT athletes.

SOURCE: DAVIEVILLAGE.CA

Langara loves Disney program

Program remains popular among students

By MANDY MOON

S ince 2011 Langara College has offered its students the unique opportunity to work and study for six months at Walt Disney World, Florida.

Sean Padley, a co-op instructor at Langara, said an ideal candi- date is someone who loves Disney, is pursuing a career in business or marketing, and wants some worldly experience.

“Disney partners with institutions around the world,” Padley said, “A student can be housed with some- one from the Netherlands, Japan

[or] Malaysia. They come back hav- ing made world friends they keep in contact with.”

Successful applicants are still considered students and are expect- ed to attend classes while working full-time hours.

Despite the demanding schedule, graduates have said they would do it again if they could.

Outside of the experience the cost of the program may be a con- cern, since its estimated cost is roughly US $12,000.

While there, students are paid minimum wage and the expected earnings while at Disney World are US $9,000.

‘The program cost was a concern for Meghan Ford, a prospective ap- plicant who had been accepted last year but couldn't afford the associ- ated fees.

Ford has since reapplied for 2019.

She said ultimately the experience

is far more significant to her than the cost.

“They're so good at bringing re

guests in and making them feel ]

like they’re having a good time. I’ve

always been curious to know how |

they influence their customers,” Ford said.

Except for the start date and end date, there haven't been any other significant changes to the program.

In 2011, the co-op began in Jan- uary and ended in July.

Now the program begins in June and ends in December.

‘This change was made to better align with other partnered schools.

Michael Hoang a participant of

the 2016 program, said it opened doors that may have been otherwise closed to him. “Disney is world- renowned. When J mention that J used to work at Disney World, you can see employers eyes light right up,” Hoang said.

Langara students Abby Perry, Jessica Gitta and Samantha Jones at Disney World. seAN PADLEY SUBMITTED PHOTO