Athabasca University

10/10/2026

Are you catching up, getting ahead, or taking a break this weekend?

10/10/2026

Maintaining mind, body, and spirit contributes to positive mental health and can change your ability to participate in the things you really enjoy.

An Athabasca University counsellor and mental health coordinator offer 6 ways to help you promote mental health and wellness:

Challenge your thinking ✅
Practise gratitude ✅
Embrace acts of kindness ✅
Schedule time for social connection ✅
Pursue healthy habits ✅
Apply your strengths ✅

Learn more about each method of promoting mental health and practising in your day-to-day life.

Athabasca University counsellor and mental health coordinator share ideas to help you promote your mental health and wellness.

10/09/2026

Athabasca University will be closed on Monday, Oct. 12, for Thanksgiving. If you need assistance, please visit Ask AU. Regular office hours will resume on Oct. 13.

Have a wonderful long weekend! https://athau.ca/3MRH2I1

10/09/2026

Curious how open access publishing can expand the reach and impact of your research? Join us and Concordia University Press during Open Access Week for a discussion about how open access supports the broader circulation, use, and influence of scholarly work.

🖊️ Register here: 39c77f3f-b71e-4d38-a9d9-dd1e2712fbc2@a893bdd2-f460-4252-aa34-4d057436a09d" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/39c77f3f-b71e-4d38-a9d9-dd1e2712fbc2@a893bdd2-f460-4252-aa34-4d057436a09d

10/09/2026

The aurora borealis is stunning, but is much more than just a pretty light display. It also reflects activity that can affect life on Earth.

Athabasca University’s Geophysical Observatory, located west of Athabasca, Alta., monitors space weather from a site well suited for observing auroral activity—with low light pollution and minimal interference.

Researchers Dr. Darcy Cordell and Dr. Martin Connors study how solar activity interacts with Earth’s magnetic field and the potential impacts on systems such as power grids, pipelines, aviation, and satellites.

Their work supports improved understanding and modelling of space weather, with a goal of strengthening forecasting and early warning capabilities. https://athau.ca/4tUsxIt

10/05/2026

What makes a good written piece?

Drew Hayden Taylor has been writing for more than 40 years, and his advice on what makes a good written piece is simple: create a world that invites people in. Give readers a universe they can crawl into, explore, and enjoy.

As AU's 2026-27 Writer in Residence, Drew will share his experience with the AU community throughout his residency. https://athau.ca/46E0DH6

10/04/2026

“Knowing why you do what you do and reminding yourself of your end goals helps with staying on track.”

Meet Karina Sinchenko, an Athabasca University student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology while balancing work, family and her studies.

For Sinchenko, online learning offers the flexibility and independence to build her education around her life and long-term goals. With careful planning, daily focus, and some caffeine, she works toward her degree one course at a time.

“It takes a lot of coffee and just enough obsession with what you’re learning to commit to studying daily.”

Sinchenko’s husband and children are also a source of support and inspiration as she works toward her future career goals.

After completing her Bachelor of Arts, Sinchenko plans to apply to AU’s Master of Counselling program.

Her journey is a reminder that there’s no single way to pursue a university education. With flexibility, support and a clear goal in mind, Sinchenko is building her future one course at a time.

Well done, Karina!

Athabasca University student Karina Sinchenko balances motherhood, work and psychology studies while building toward a future in counselling.

10/03/2026

What time of day do you do your best studying?

10/02/2026

“There are actual clinical guidelines for returning to exercise after you've had a normal stroke. But for this type of stroke, you have the heart involved and you have a device in your heart now as well. That changes things."

As a healthy adult, non-smoker, runner, and health researcher, a stroke was one of the last things Dr. Jeff Valance expected.

However, at age 42, the AU Faculty of Health Disciplines professor had a stroke while out for a Sunday-morning run. An avid runner, he wanted to return to physical activity following his stroke and a surgery to close a hole in his heart. But with the specific kind of stroke he experienced, he needed to know how much exercise was safe—before and after surgery.

Vallance found no research or guidelines to help. He knew he had to take matters into his own hands and conducted a study to learn more.

AU professor Dr. Jeff Vallance is filling gaps in research after experiencing a stroke caused by a hole in his heart

10/02/2026

Learning about Indigenous health and wellness is an ongoing process, and creating space for continued learning, reflection and understanding is an important part of that work.

PowerED by Athabasca University offers a free, two-hour course introducing key concepts in Indigenous health and wellness, allyship, advocacy and health equity.

Learn at your own pace and build a foundation for continued learning, reflection and action.

Enrol now:

Enrol in the free Indigenous Health and Wellness, Advocacy, and Allyship MOOC by PowerED™ at Athabasca University. Gain key insights and support Indigenous health.