E5 - CAAT Tales: Communicating and Belonging

In this episode of CAAT Tales, the official podcast of SLC Faculty Local 417, we explore the personal and professional lives of our union members. From a rapid-fire session with our Communications Officer to a deep dive into the transformative power of belonging in higher education, this episode highlights the human connections that drive our local forward.Segment 1: Getting to Know Christina ChryslerCommunications Officer Christina Chrysler joins the show for a "rapid-fire" introduction and a discussion on her dual roles as an artist and a union leader.• Life as an Artist-Educator: Outside of teaching, Christina is an installation artist and oil painter who lives on 37 acres with alpacas, fainting goats, and chickens.• The Cyclical Nature of Change: Reflecting on 13 years at the college, she observes that many "new" ideas are actually old ways of operating, noting that underfunding has occasionally forced the institution to stray from its core values.• Union Leadership & Strategy: Christina details the strategic nature of her role, including preparing for bargaining cycles (the next collective agreement expires in 2027) and using social media to maintain relationships in an increasingly remote work environment.Segment 2: Is it a Gripe or a Grievance? – Moving ExpensesThis segment clarifies member rights regarding campus transfers.• Key Reference: Under Article 27.15, up to $1,000 may be allocated for moving expenses.Segment 3: Member Spotlight – The Research of Belonging with OasisMuhammad Owais Aziz (Oasis) discusses his PhD research on how educators experience belonging.• A Unique Path to SLC: Formerly a healthcare professional, Owais moved to Canada to prioritize family time and joined SLC after a spontaneous meeting with the dean where he requested a "free coffee" in exchange for his resume.• Dynamic Belonging: Owais defines belonging not as a static state, but as a dynamic construct that fluctuates based on daily interactions.• The Student Connection: A major finding of his research is that students profoundly shape a faculty member's sense of belonging.• Micro-Interactions, Macro Impact: Owais emphasizes that small acts of kindness, like knocking on a colleague's door to check in or offering a smile, are essential for building a healthy organizational culture.Segment 4: The 411 on the 417 – Union Updates• Hold the Date: The General Membership Meeting (GMM) is scheduled for January 29th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. via Zoom.• Bylaw Amendment: The meeting will address a motion to amend operational bylaws to reflect the local's status as a composite local.Stay Connected:• Website: slcfaculty.ca• Newsletter: Read the December edition of CAAT Tales for full details on upcoming motions Chapters01:35 Rapid fire with Christina Chrysler04:54 Journey into Teaching and Lifelong Learning07:27 Watching Change Happen at the College13:52 Passions Outside of Teaching14:37 Getting Involved with the LEC27:23 Is it a Gripe or a Grievance?28:35 Member Spotlight - Introducing Owais Aziz36:29 Community and Belonging in Cornwall45:19 Defining Belonging and Its Importance49:31 Micro-Interactions and Their Impact on Belonging51:31 The Impact of Colleagues and Supervisors on Belonging53:26 Student Influence on Faculty Belonging57:15 The Role of Mentorship in Student Success Music clearance: NPXY0YQVYZIJHMOW