March 12, 1999

Mactaggart Writing Award
Faculty of Arts students are advised of an essay-writing competition to be held this spring. This competition is to encourage students and faculty to gain an appreciation of the joys of creative writing and travel. There are no prescribed topics for the essay. Prize value (up to $10,000) is dependent upon the travel plans proposed by the winner. For judging criteria and further information, please contact the Faculty of Arts. The deadline is Friday, April 30, 1999 at noon. Essays must be submitted to: Office of the Dean of Arts, 6-33 Humanities Centre. Winners will be announced May 31, 1999.

$20,000 Magna for Canada Scholarship Fund
The Magna for Canada Scholarship Fund rewards university, college and CÉGEP students for the most innovative vision and solutions for guiding Canada into the next century. Students must answer: "If you were Prime Minister of Canada, what political vision would you offer to improve our living standards?" There are more than $300,000 in prizes to be won by 50 semi-finalists, 10 regional winners and a national winner.
Deadline for essays is June 15, 1999. Application details available at www.asprimeminister.com or by calling 1-800-97-MAGNA. A book of winning essays will be available in Chapters bookstores November, 1999.

RETIREMENT PLANNING SEMINARS FOR ACADEMIC STAFF
The Office of the Vice-President (Academic) and Provost and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AAS:UA) invite members of the AAS:UA and their spouses to attend a two-day retirement planning seminar, facilitated by Rein Selles, president, Retirement/Life Challenge Ltd.

SEMINAR 1: PLANNING FOR PERSONAL FREEDOM
April 30 - May 1, 1999
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
This seminar is in the format given in previous years. The workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to: identify and address any immediate issues with respect to retirement plans; develop a strategy for planning long-term goals; and provide specific information in the areas of lifestyle, financial and estate planning.

SEMINAR 2: CHARTING YOUR COURSE
May 7 - 8, 1999
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
This seminar is designed for those under 45 years of age and introduces the concept of personal planning over the life span. The workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to: develop a short term personal plan; understand the role of pension and benefits during one's career; develop a long term financial plan; and review risks to financial security. Seminar 2 is subject to sufficient registration.

The seminars are free and will be held in the Map Room, Lister Hall. Coffee and lunches provided. Enrollment is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in attending, please call Janice Forgues at 492-5321 or e-mail: or register on the AAS:UA homepage at: www.ualberta.ca/~aasua. Deadline for registration is March 31, 1999.

SPRING EXERCISE PROGRAM
If you are interested in starting a structured spring exercise program, this study is for you. We are looking for adults who are willing to participate in regular, prescribed exercise three times per week starting in late March.

A study called "Motivational and Physical Effects of two types of Exercise Programs" is being conducted. You will be given a fitness test (VO2max) on an exercise bike at the beginning and end of the program. You will also be given a personal fitness program that will be completed at the Van Vliet Centre and monitored by the researchers. There will also be three sets of questionnaires asking about things related to exercise adherence. There is no charge and no reimbursement for participation.

If you are interested, please contact Dr. Wendy Rodgers, 492-2677 or Chris Blanchard or Phil Wilson at 492-7424. We need equal numbers of men and women. Participation is limited, callers will be added to research on a first-come, first-served basis.

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