E14 - CAAT Tales: Ramadan Rhythms, Research Wins and Rising Student Pressures

This week on CAAT Tales, we explore belonging, applied research, and the financial realities shaping student life at SLC.Ekta Singh speaks with Dr. Maha Othman about identity, faith, and the rhythms of Ramadan in Belonging at the Table.We spotlight nursing faculty Julie Dyke and Andrea Rochon, whose new NSERC/COCO‑CIF grant is driving a province‑wide applied research project in long‑term care.And we close with Financial Aid Advisor Kyle Valpy and Local 417 Communications Officer Christina Chrysler, unpacking the Ford government’s OSAP changes and what they could mean for students.🕒 Chapters00:26 — Welcome & Episode Overview Host Julie White introduces segments on Belonging, research, and the financial pressures facing students.01:55 — OSAP Changes Explained What the shift from 85% to 25% grants means and how students are reacting.03:16 — Federal vs. Provincial Funding Kyle breaks down how OSAP assessments actually work.04:10 — Student Concerns Living allowance gaps, affordability worries, and early questions.07:19 — Student Advocacy & Save OSAP Organizing, rallies, and the political context.09:12 — Supports Beyond OSAP Emergency funds, bursaries, food resources, and debunking the “OSAP means you can’t work” myth.13:05 — Who Applies for OSAP? Why 65% of domestic students apply—and why more should.16:39 — Tuition Increases The upcoming 2% annual rise and what it signals.🍲 22:03 — Belonging at the Table: Dr. Maha OthmanIdentity, faith, mentorship, and the sensory memories of Ramadan.26:21 — The Aroma of Home Soup simmering before iftar and the grounding role of Quran recitation.30:16 — Rhythms of Ramadan Fasting, prayer, and time management.34:02 — Sharing Ramadan with Students Visibility, connection, and inspiration.35:12 — Institutional Awareness Prayer spaces, scheduling challenges, and what support looks like.40:48 — Key Arabic Phrases Ramadan Kareem, Eid Mubarak, and how to offer meaningful greetings.🔬 44:45 — Member Spotlight: NSERC/COCO‑CIF GrantA three‑year applied research project focused on long‑term care placements and nursing recruitment.45:36 — Teaching & Research Journeys How Julie and Andrea arrived at this work.50:35 — The Project’s Core Question Improving LTC placements to strengthen the workforce pipeline.52:20 — Social Media Strategy Reframing LTC as meaningful, skilled, and rewarding.55:07 — Scope & Timeline A province‑wide initiative with multi‑site partnerships.1:03:07 — Student Research Assistants Building capacity and creating paid opportunities.1:04:46 — Advice for COCO‑CIF Applicants Start early, build partnerships, think big.Interested in learning more about the grant process? Visit College and Community Social Innovation Fund grants | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of CanadaCollege and Community Social Innovation Fund grants | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of CanadaYouTube Code for Music clearance: NPXY0YQVYZIJHMOW