SuppliedThis is an article written and published by The Dagligtale, the student newspaper at Augustana, that The Gateway has published on its website.
In the illustrious halls of the University of Alberta, there lies a tale of two campuses: the bustling metropolis of the North Campus in Edmonton and its quieter, understated sibling, Augustana in Camrose. While both campuses fall under the prestigious banner of the U of A, their stories differ when it comes to opportunities — particularly in the realm of career fairs.
Back in February, North Campus played host to the Spring Hiring Fair. It was an event teeming with opportunities for students to network, meet potential employers, and leapfrog into their careers. This grand affair, unfortunately, remained just out of reach for Augustana students. Even Campus Saint-Jean (CSJ) students were able to access the fair through convenient transportation options, none available to those at Augustana.
The reason for Augustana students’ missed opportunities? A chasm wider than the mere geographic distance between Camrose and Edmonton, worsened by a glaring absence of public transportation. The university itself didn’t make any travel arrangements for Augustana students, either.
It’s a curious case of selective logistics. Consider that for sporting events, buses seem to sprout wings, taking students between campuses with ease. Yet, for an event as pivotal as the hiring fair, those wings were strangely clipped. You can’t help but wonder if the university sees our athletic pursuits as more important than our careers. A thought that, if chewed on too long, might leave a bitter taste.
This oversight doesn’t merely result in a missed outing — it’s a missed opportunity for Augustana students. A missed opportunity to stand out in a crowded job market and to make connections that could shape our careers. Frankly, it’s also a missed opportunity for the university to show that they value and support Augustana students. The disparity in access to opportunities between the campuses is a matter of equity.
I acknowledge that Camrose is better known for its scenic beauty than for its bustling career fairs. And yes, the value of the charm of a smaller campus cannot be understated. But students shouldn’t have to sacrifice opportunities for said charm.
Augustana doesn’t have a hiring fair with the same opportunities of its own. Combined with the barriers to attending one on North Campus, this places Augustana students at an unfair disadvantage. It’s similar to telling someone to join a race, only for their starting line to be a few kilometres behind everyone else’s. Not exactly what you would call a fair start.
In the spirit of fairness and opportunity for all, it’s high-time the university re-evaluates its support for Augustana students. Providing transport for sports but not for career advancement events sends a mixed message about the university’s priorities. The university needs to ensure that all students, regardless of their campus, have equal access to the opportunities that shape their futures.
As we navigate our academic journeys, let us not forget the importance of advocating for a fair shot for every student under the U of A banner. After all, it’s not just about the opportunities the university offers, but also how accessible they make those opportunities to every student.
While we can all appreciate the many opportunities we have as U of A students, we must not shy away from highlighting and addressing disparities. At the end of the day, we’re all part of the U of A, regardless of the campus we call home.
