This week on CAAT Tales, we explore belonging, applied research, and the financial realities shaping student life at SLC.
Ekta Singh speaks with Dr. Maha Othman about identity, faith, and the rhythms of Ramadan in Belonging at the Table.
We spotlight nursing faculty Julie Dyke and Andrea Rochon, whose new NSERC/COCO‑CIF grant is driving a province‑wide applied research project in long‑term care.
And we close with Financial Aid Advisor Kyle Valpy and Local 417 Communications Officer Christina Chrysler, unpacking the Ford government’s OSAP changes and what they could mean for students.
🕒 Chapters
00:26 — Welcome & Episode Overview
Host Julie White introduces segments on Belonging, research, and the financial pressures facing students.
01:55 — OSAP Changes Explained
What the shift from 85% to 25% grants means and how students are reacting.
03:16 — Federal vs. Provincial Funding
Kyle breaks down how OSAP assessments actually work.
04:10 — Student Concerns
Living allowance gaps, affordability worries, and early questions.
07:19 — Student Advocacy & Save OSAP
Organizing, rallies, and the political context.
09:12 — Supports Beyond OSAP
Emergency funds, bursaries, food resources, and debunking the “OSAP means you can’t work” myth.
13:05 — Who Applies for OSAP?
Why 65% of domestic students apply—and why more should.
16:39 — Tuition Increases
The upcoming 2% annual rise and what it signals.
🍲 22:03 — Belonging at the Table: Dr. Maha Othman
Identity, faith, mentorship, and the sensory memories of Ramadan.
26:21 — The Aroma of Home
Soup simmering before iftar and the grounding role of Quran recitation.
30:16 — Rhythms of Ramadan
Fasting, prayer, and time management.
34:02 — Sharing Ramadan with Students
Visibility, connection, and inspiration.
35:12 — Institutional Awareness
Prayer spaces, scheduling challenges, and what support looks like.
40:48 — Key Arabic Phrases
Ramadan Kareem, Eid Mubarak, and how to offer meaningful greetings.
🔬 44:45 — Member Spotlight: NSERC/COCO‑CIF Grant
A three‑year applied research project focused on long‑term care placements and nursing recruitment.
45:36 — Teaching & Research Journeys
How Julie and Andrea arrived at this work.
50:35 — The Project’s Core Question
Improving LTC placements to strengthen the workforce pipeline.
52:20 — Social Media Strategy
Reframing LTC as meaningful, skilled, and rewarding.
55:07 — Scope & Timeline
A province‑wide initiative with multi‑site partnerships.
1:03:07 — Student Research Assistants
Building capacity and creating paid opportunities.
1:04:46 — Advice for COCO‑CIF Applicants
Start early, build partnerships, think big.
Interested in learning more about the grant process? Visit College and Community Social Innovation Fund grants | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of CanadaCollege and Community Social Innovation Fund grants | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
YouTube Code for Music clearance: NPXY0YQVYZIJHMOW