Geology TA Fund

It's no secret that the economic challenges of the last few years continue to have an impact on educational programs throughout the university, leaving some departments looking for new ways to maintain critical programming components.

The Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering responded by rallying supporters for the ambitious goal of creating a named teaching assistantship fund to help maintain the department's many TA positions. The fund has been a great success, thanks to the many individuals and companies who feel strongly about these vital positions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

"Labs and field work are critical to the learning experience for our students," says Department Head Jean Hutchinson. "Teaching assistants are the key to maintaining those experiences." The success of the funding program stems from a desire to keep the department's high quality program. Many individuals who have contributed remember the value and impact of these mentors during their studies – the opportunity to learn collaboration and teamwork skills – and want to honour them. Companies who are providing support want to ensure that they can continue to recruit highly qualified graduates.

"Funding for labs in geology is critical as it's where undergraduates find their true passion for geology," says Cody Miller, a student who received TA funding in 2010. "I was extremely humbled when I received a TAship award since I knew how much it meant to the students and how integral it was to the department."

Brian Heald, a Queen's graduate now working with CIBC, contributed to the programto ensure that students have both the opportunity to work together with TAs, and the chance to become one. "I learned so many valuable skills during my time as a teaching assistant," he says. "It was a very important part of my education."

BGC Engineering Inc., an international consulting firm specializing in mining, energy and transportation services, has a large number of former Queen's students on staff andalso hires numerous summer students each year. " Queen's alumni at BGC rememberthe support that TAs provided during their time at the university," says Caroline Bates (BSc '07), an alumna and Geological Engineer with the firm. "We want to help continue that level of academic excellence."

Ms. Bates notes that the Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering program at Queen's produces exceptional candidates for BGC's operations. "Queen's students arebright and motivated, well acquainted with industry, and inject energy and enthusiasm into the teamwork environment," she says. "At BGC, our strength is the team of people we work with; the community at Queen's is a key part of that team."