Reclaiming Activism in AcademiaOkanagan College and the New University Cooperative SymposiumMay 5th - 9th, 2010Okanagan College and Naramata Centre, British Columbia The symposium will explore activism as this pertains to higher education, examining the ways in which institutions of higher education can create and support progressive social change agents, whether in the capacity of student or educator or staff, in order to create socially responsible citizens that can effectively deal with the social and environmental crises of our time both within and outside the institution of higher education.
The symposium will begin with presentations and discussions addressing issues pertaining to the theme, and subsequently workshops will be held where concrete proposals will be developed to incorporate activism into all areas of institutions of higher education.
Topics for discussion would include but are not limited to: - Freedom of speech and intellectual freedom;
- Activism in the classroom and on campus, and in employee organizations;
- Transformative pedagogy as a foundation in course content and delivery;
- Inclusion of ethics into all content of curricula;
- Incorporation of ecological sustainability and social justice into curricula;
- Support for social change agents within existing post-secondary educational institutions.
Notice: the deadline on the call for presentations for academics has been extended to January 31st, 2010 Registration will open on February 1st, 2010 Please see attachments below for registration and more
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Our Story
At the end of August 2005, thirty participants from across the country, as part of the first founding meeting of the New University Project, gathered near Montreal, Quebec to discuss the creation of a New University in Canada, based on principles of sustainability, social justice and accessibility. This diverse group included professors, academics, students, and activists from across the country. Our purpose still remains simple – to create a new affordable university devoted to protecting and sustaining our earth. We have held several national meetings, organized lectures and presentations, coordinated weekly conference calls and shared hundreds of e-mails. The New University Cooperative was incorporated as a solidarity cooperative in 2007, and our first annual general meeting as was held in St. Clements Ontario in March 2008. Here is what we are working toward: - To join hands and minds with other like-minded students, educators, active citizens and supportive organizations
- To establish the best on-line library and resource centre for studies in ecology, sustainability and social justice
- To coordinate meaningful skills-sharing, lectures, symposiums, and short-courses throughout Canada
- To develop graduate and post-graduate degree programs
- To build a “green” university that will provide holistic education and employment opportunities for all of our members.
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