BUSU hosts Family Fun Friday for students with children

BRANDON, Man. – Brandon University (BU) students with school-aged children will be able to combine family time with their education this week.

The Brandon University Students’ Union (BUSU) will host Family Fun Friday, setting up events on the BU campus for students whose children have the day off due to professional development for elementary and high school teachers.

“Professional development days are a challenge for students with children,” said BU student Jill Vanderheiden, who volunteered to organize Family Fun Friday. “They either have to pay for child care, miss their classes or bring their children to their lectures. We’re encouraging them to bring their kids with them.”

Since the organizers are unable to offer a babysitting service, Vanderheiden has contacted the deans of each faculty to make arrangements allowing parents to bring their children to their lectures on Friday if they are safe and appropriate for the age group.

Events are planned throughout the day where parents can drop in with their children before or after their lectures. Activities will include a cardboard fort in the Mingling Area; a resource fair, featuring displays from local youth clubs, outside of Ancillary Services; and games in the Henry Champ Gymnasium. The John E. Robbins Library will host Tipi Teachings and a colouring area, while a parent networking session will be held in the Mingling Area by Student Services.

The President’s Office and the Brandon University Alumni Association (BUAA) have teamed up with BUSU, making donations to support the day, which will also include a free family lunch.

“Often people view us as an association that they get involved with after they graduate,” said BUAA President Debra Carnegie. “We want to be more visible and actively engage with students while they’re at BU, and this is one way that we can support them.”

For a full list of activities, see the event’s Facebook page at facebook.com/events/1556475737977941/.

Contact