Athabasca University

09/10/2026

It's never too late to learn. At Athabasca University, mature learners prove that education can transform lives at any age:

Judy Obee returned to university at 71 after a 55-year gap and graduated with a BGS in 2025.

Jennifer May-Anderson , Sharlene Rutherford Sharlene Rutherford, and Anne Kustra balanced careers, family, and study while showing how flexible online learning supports lifelong learning.

Christopher Kayser discovered a new career path in cybercrime after exploring criminal justice through his AU courses.

Louise Daley earned her second AU degree at 93, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

Their stories remind us that curiosity and ambition never have an expiration date!

Think you missed your chance to go back to university? Athabasca University students share insight and advice for success in online learning as mature learners.

09/08/2026

What does it mean to take meaningful action on reconciliation?

For Dr. Shabnam Inanloo Dailoo, it meant donating her own funds to establish AU's Indigenous Award in Heritage Resources Management in 2021.

The award supports Indigenous learners, while also creating opportunities for instructors and heritage professionals to learn from their knowledge and perspectives.

“It's a reciprocal relationship, a shared learning journey,” says Inanloo Dailoo.

Applications are open until Sept. 30. Learn more about the award, apply, or consider making a donation to support Indigenous learners.

Athabasca University's Indigenous Award in Heritage Resources Management provides opportunities for learners with Indigenous ancestry to explore the only fully online program of its kind.

09/07/2026

Athabasca University will be closed for Labour Day on Monday, Sept. 7. We re-open Sept. 8. This account will not be monitored during the break.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful long weekend!

09/06/2026

“I wonder what credits I have and what they could amount to?”

Meet Greg Allworth, a Bachelor of General Studies graduate who returned to university nearly 40 years after leaving his original program.

At 56, with a busy career, regular travel and a family, Allworth needed an education that could fit around his life. AU’s online learning model gave him the flexibility to study when and where it worked for him, whether that meant early weekend mornings at home, or catching up on readings in airports and on airplanes.

“The more personal experience I could bring to the coursework, the more rewarding and enjoyable it became.”

Allworth’s time with AU gave him the opportunity to explore subjects he was genuinely interested in, from the history of African American music and cultural policy in Canada, to digital storytelling and business communications. He even produced a short film and explored the cultural funding of music festivals and artists through his coursework.

His journey is a reminder that there’s no typical AU student or typical AU journey. Sometimes, the path to a degree takes a few years. Sometimes, it takes nearly 40.

And now that he’s finished what he started, Allworth isn’t ruling out another degree. He’s considering online music courses and may even pursue an art history degree when he retires.

https://www.athabascau.ca/news/alumni-news/alumni-success/like-no-other-greg-allworth.html

09/05/2026

Where are you checking in from?📍

Bonus: show us your view!

09/04/2026

What makes a good story? And how do you get comfortable telling your own?

Award-winning playwright, novelist, filmmaker, and journalist Drew Hayden Taylor joins Athabasca University as our 2026-27 Writer in Residence, where he’ll help aspiring writers find their voice and tell their stories, no matter the form.

Learn more about Drew and his work:

Meet award-winning writer Drew Hayden Taylor, Athabasca University's 2026-27 Writer in Residence, and learn about his writing, inspiration and advice for aspiring writers.

09/03/2026

Calling all graduate and undergraduate students!

The abstract submission deadline for the 2026 Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC) has been extended to Sept. 13.

Present your work in Athabasca, Alta. this October and have a chance to network with your fellow students and over 20 AU faculty and staff.

The GSRC is a multi-disciplinary academic research forum that brings together graduate students and alumni from all faculties at Athabasca University. The conference is co-delivered by the Athabasca University Graduate Students' Association and the Faculty of Graduate Studies. 

09/01/2026

September is loading…

For many of our students, September means more than just starting a new course. It can mean getting the kids ready for school, settling into new routines, setting new goals, and finding your rhythm again.

Whether you're starting something new or picking up where you left off, here's to making this September Like No Other.

09/01/2026

Back-to-school season is a good reminder to refresh your study routine. Whether you're returning after a break or simply looking for a better way to balance school with everything else on your plate, a few small changes can make a big difference!

Try these tips to refresh your study routine:
• Enhance your learning with the library's resources
• Craft your research strategy
• Improve your study techniques
• Stick to a schedule to find balance
• Access mental-health resources 24/7
• Get personalized academic advice
• Tap into learning accommodations and supports

For more tips and AU resources to help you reset and refocus, read the full article and find the resources: https://athau.ca/41WmjwV