Apr.2011

Spring Brings New Programs to CDI Campuses Across the Country

CDI College has launched new programs across Canada, giving students even more opportunities to train for great new careers.

Graphic Design programs were recently launched at the Winnipeg and Montreal campuses. Along with essential design theories and principles, students develop the technical skills and master industry software such as Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. They’ll also produce impressive portfolios to showcase their talents for potential employers.

In Edmonton South, the campus is set to launch the new Practical Nursing program. Over 73 weeks, students will develop the knowledge and skills to care for patients in a wide range of health care settings and gain hands-on experience during multiple clinical placements.

BC campuses have introduced the Computer Support Technician and Network Systems Engineer diploma programs to prepare students for IT careers. Both programs also prepare grads for essential IT industry certification exams.

Applications are currently being accepted for these exciting new programs. Apply today!

Links of the Month

Facebook: facebook.com/CDICollege
Apply to CDI College:
cdicollege.ca
Twitter:
twitter.com/CDICollege
YouTube:
youtube.com/CDICareerCollege

April 2011 Newsletter

Massage Therapy Students in Edmonton Give Back

Massage Therapy students at the Edmonton North campus raised $2,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation and donated their time and skills to help out with the World’s Longest Hockey Game, held from February 10-21, 2011.

One of the most successful Alberta Cancer Foundation events, the World’s Longest Hockey Game has generated donations from across the continent. This year’s game was played by 40 players for 241 consecutive hours over a period of 10 days with the hopes of raising $1 million for the Cross Cancer Institute.

The students worked as volunteers for a range of shifts over the course of the game. And when the temperature sunk to -35 C, the players were glad to have the massage students on hand help fight the cold.

This past year, massage students in both Edmonton and Calgary also raised money to buy ID cards for homeless citizens in the city. In total, more than $5,000 has been raised this past year for charity.

Why is Spring a Great Time to Head Back to School?

Spring is one of the best times to get your life in order, and at CDI, we know that spring is a great time to head back to school and get the training you need to find a career you love. But we wanted to know why you think it’s a season for change. Take a look at what your peers had to say:

 “After New Year’s we make challenges, unsure if we will complete them, spring then is around the corner and we see changes in the season and are ready to see changes in our own life.”Jenna on Facebook

Spring is a sign of new beginnings and what better way to start a career then by starting school!” –  Callie on Facebook

“Spring is the time when everything starts to bloom, which is also a way to say things come back to life. After years of being bored, with either work or high school, why not start making your life bloom with thoughts of a better future, having sunny days ahead and spring showers to refresh yourself. It’s the perfect time to enhance your life.” Nikita on Facebook

Do you have a story idea or question you'd like answered in next month's newsletter? Send along your ideas or questions to stories@cdicollege.ca!

Student Tax Tips

When you’re a student, figuring out how to file your taxes can not only be difficult, it can also be costly without the appropriate information. It can also be confusing determining which educational expenses can be written off to lower the amount of taxes you’ll have to pay.

Here are just a few expenses you can use as credit towards your tax return:

  • Textbooks
  • Tuition, lab, library, exam, and computer service fees
  • Student loan interest
  • Medical care and transit passes for buses, trains/subways, and ferries

You may also qualify for one of the free student tax programs, like the student version of Turbo Tax.

How do you get through tax time? Share your tips on Facebook!

New Campuses in Calgary and Ontario

Spring is a season of growth for CDI College with three new campuses opening shortly.

Thanks to an increase in student enrollment, CDI will open a campus in southeast Calgary. Offering a range of business, technology and health care programs, the new Calgary South location will be the sixth for CDI College in Alberta.

Campuses will also soon open in Mississauga and Scarborough, Ontario. These new locations will continue to provide hands-on, career-focused training in the Greater Toronto Area and allow students living in these communities to pursue an education closer to home and avoid long commutes to school.

Which campus do you belong to? What makes your campus unique? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter!

Student Guide to Stress Management

Trying to balance the demands of studying, work and family obligations can be stressful and, as a result, finding ways to unwind can be difficult. Take a look at these stress management tips:

  • Get organized. Plan things out in a calendar to help reduce last-minute stress. 
  • Create a study-friendly environment with minimal distractions to keep calm while doing school work.
  • Incorporate exercise into your daily routine – even a 15-20 minute walk can help shake stress.
  • Take time at the end of each day to unwind and meditate. Turn off the TV and just sit in silence.
  • Most important: make sure you get enough sleep every night!

Do you have stress busting tips you’d like to share? Post them on Facebook or Twitter!

April 2011 Newsletter

The Health Benefits of Chocolate

You may not believe it, but there are several health benefits to eating chocolate. But, before you dig into all that Easter candy, it’s important to learn about the types of chocolate that are the healthiest for you. According to recent studies published in scientific journals, dark chocolate – the higher the cocoa content, the better - contains cocoa or plant phenols, which may have the following health benefits:

  • May help reduce stress levels

  • May help lower high blood pressure and diabetes

  • May help aid in circulation and blood flow that supplies the heart and brain (improves cognitive functioning)

  • Improved cardiovascular functioning and health  

  • Full of antioxidants

  • Can help protect against tooth cavities and protect enamel

  • May be full of vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

What’s your favourite chocolate treat? Share with us on Facebook!