End of Year 2016

Last Few Days of The Year

2016 has been another good year for Simon Fraser University in general and Fraser International College in particular in terms of growth in international student population and relationship between the two tertiary organizations. In the same year we celebrated our ten years of successful partnership. Among the most notable achievements in the ten years were success stories of international students transitioning to Simon Fraser University, then graduating and moving on to reputable careers of their choices.

Students Enjoying The Snow

Personally, 2016 has been the busiest year at FIC for me. Besides teaching assignments, I have been involved in three consecutive sessions of the Universal Case Competition, a FIC Alumnus Recognition Event, the Tenth Anniversary of SFU-FIC Partnership celebration, and presented in numerous workshops and seminars on study methods and effectiveness of professional social networking sites to improve career prospects. And also the hours of mentoring and supporting students with their expectations and challenges. The year started off gradually with moderate among of work but definitely ended on much busier note.

Everywhere covered with snow

Outside the university, I have been actively involved with the Royal Canadian Air Cadet League in their Effective Speaking Program and Competition. And, in particularly with the league's 808 Squadron which is based out of Coquitlum. My spouse and I have also volunteered to support the RCAC Annual Ceremonial Review, the squadron's year end potluck function for parents, and recently, we were also volunteers in the Remembrance Day parade in Coquitlum, helping with serving food to other volunteers who participated in the parade. And often we have been called upon to drive cadets to fundraisers and off base events.

Last Day of The Year

In 2016, Fraser International College also launched the PreMasters Engineering program which I was involved in developing the course curriculum and delivering lectures for two of the four courses. This year, I have also taught a newly developed undergraduate business course. The BUS200 course was developed, tested and introduced in Fraser International College, and to be taught in both Beedie School of Business as well as FIC. This year itself, I have taught fifteen sections of both undergraduate and graduate level courses. Although, busy working and volunteering, it was manageable and most gratifying for me. I have enjoyed every minute of 2016.

This year ended with some campus closure days due to snow storms and bad road conditions but in general, everything ended well. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year and best of luck in the new year.

First Real Snow Storm of the Year on SFU Mountain

Discovery 1 Fraser International College

We received news that all classes in SFU including FIC were cancelled today because of the pending snow storm. I do not remember of any time within the last five years that all classes were cancelled on the same day in SFU. This is the first time that all classes were cancelled simultaneously because of the weather condition. The other reason for cancellation of classes must be because of the closure of the bus services going up to the Burnaby campus from Production station and else where. The road conditions were really bad and would be hazardous to unfamiliar and inexperience drivers.

Nelson Way

I woke up early like usual in the morning and saw white covers everywhere. But did not know of the SFU main campus class cancellations until I read my emails. I guess it is a safety precautionary measure that the administration is exercising and to avoid any untoward incidents. Anyway, luckily the cancellations happened today. Today is the last day for the Fall 2016 semester. And, final exams starts tomorrow. The cancellation allows some students an additional day for revision. And, for me it makes no difference because I do not have lectures on Mondays anyway.

Snowman in FIC

International students should come out and enjoy the snow. Canadians embrace weather conditions like this one. Take a little time off from final exam preparations, relax and have some fun. Especially, for the first semester international students, they should take some time off and go enjoy their first winter snow. Go make a snowman or enjoy playing with the snow. Have fun!!! This is a rear occasion and an opportunity to embrace the Canadian spirit.

Corner Stone SFU Burnaby

In Vancouver the snow comes and disappear very quickly. In a matter of fact, the weatherman has already announced that tomorrow is going to be sunny. Therefore, all the snow on the ground may just melt away. I was on campus later in the morning and the bus services to SFU main campus has already resumed services. And, as I am constructing this article, I heard that the snow storm warning has been called off. Some classes after 2:00pm will resume at SFU but all FIC classes remained cancelled for the entire day.