For many in the college network, the AQPC Symposium marks the end of a demanding school year and provides a moment of refreshment and inspiration that we all greatly need. Along these lines, the AQPC is preparing its 35th Annual Symposium, entitled Energy and Synergy for Higher Education. More than 1000 people will gather in Saguenay from June 3rd to June 5th, 2015. Come and join us!
Energy and Synergy for Higher Education
Keynotes
The Symposium will have 122 sessions, including 5 keynote addresses. The opening plenary, entitled The Power of Commitment (Le pouvoir de l’engagement), will be delivered by none other than Pierre Lavoie and will certainly be a memorable event. Pierre Lavoie has become personally committed to the fight against Lactic Acidosis while promoting healthy life habits. He has rallied thousands of people around this cause and become an example of profound commitment himself in the process.
For the closing plenary, the delegates will have the privilege of “hearing” a conference that pairs reflection with music. Using musical excerpts, Jean-Marie Zeitouni, the Artistic Director of I Musici de Montréal, will illustrate the importance of playing together towards getting along with one another.
These conferences, like those being presented by France Côté and Hélène Lévesque on the evaluation of individuals within a group assignment, another by René Duchement on teaching attitudes and still another by Patrick Devey about essential ingredients for eLearning, will all be offered with simultaneous translation from French to English or from English to French.
Popular Sessions
The sessions that are addressing new technologies are filling up quickly. This is particularly true for the talks on e-Portfolios, using ICTs for evaluation and the session on reducing workloads through the use of technology. The distribution of registrations is an interesting way to observe the key professional challenges for the college network. For example, we have noticed that conference delegates are very interested in sessions about flipped classrooms, active learning, evaluating group work, evaluating learning (including attitudes) and teaching students with learning disabilities. Already, over 100 participants have signed up for 15 sessions that are addressing these very topics.
There’s Still Room for You Too!
Close to 1000 people have registered to attend the Symposium. Even though 10 of the activities have no more room, there are between 12 and 17 options for each time block that are still available for those who would still like to register.
Activities on the Side for a Wide Range of Tastes
Also worth noting are the many social activities that have been organized for people to meet in a less formal setting. Prior to the Symposium, conference delegates can register for supper at the Voie Maltée Microbrewery (June 2nd) and, on June 3rd, anyone interested can treat themselves to a guided tour of the historical Arvida district, a meal at the Cageot vineyard or a 5 à 7 cocktail at the Cégep de Chicoutimi, where science and sports converges. The annual AQPC banquet will also be a memorable occasion to celebrate the year with friends and colleagues, and some characters from La Fabuleuse; histoire d’un royaume. It goes without saying that the banquet will also be a time to recognize and honour the contribution of close to 60 college network teachers – a perfect excuse to then slip off your shoes and show your best moves on the dance floor.
Keeping the Dialogue Flowing
AQPC has thought ahead about the security and comfort of its conference delegates. Ground transportation service is available for those travelling to Saguenay from out of town, and shuttles are available between the main hotels in the area and the site of the Symposium. All of the information is available on AQPC’s web site.
- For an abridged Symposium program in English (PDF format).
- Page to register for the Symposium.(site in French only)
- To renew your AQPC membership without necessarily attending the Symposium.
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