Student success

Hats off to you, Class of 2026!

Convocation 2026 brought together graduates from across Canada and beyond to celebrate our largest celebration in our home community of Athabasca yet!

Pursuing a nursing degree while raising three children

Erin de Laroque is completing her Bachelor of Nursing at Athabasca University while balancing work, family, and parenting responsibilities.

Master of Nursing student aims to reduce barriers to cancer screening

Athabasca University Master of Nursing student Brittany Arora’s research explores barriers to cervical cancer screening and innovative ways to overcome them.

A personalized path to a science degree

Athabasca University’s flexible online learning model allows Lexis Roy to study science from the Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement while balancing travel, work, and life.

3MT competition a learning opportunity for graduate students

Athabasca University graduate students and alumni discuss the benefits of participating in the Three-Minute Thesis competition.

Earning an MBA built confidence and professional legitimacy

Michel Garneau says Athabasca University’s fully online MBA helped him balance full-time work with graduate studies while addressing long-standing self-doubt about not having a university degree.

A year of Learners Like No Other: Stories of balance, resilience, and community

These 2025 Learners Like No Other profiles reveal the heart of AU’s community: people making education fit around caregiving, work, and life.

Community at the heart of Athabasca-based nurse’s career and studies at AU

Meeting the needs of her community was a driving force for 2025 Derrick Rowlandson Memorial Award winner.

AU provides ‘seamless’ experience for accounting student pursuing CPA

As a newcomer to Canada, AU’s “seamless” transfer credit process and online flexibility has made it easier for Pradip Rokaya to earn a CPA designation.

‘I discovered many new strengths thanks to AU,' says counselling student

'I could not be happier with the quality of education I received through AU,' writes Master of Counselling student.

undergraduate

Former pro soccer player plants seeds of success with sustainable farm startup

AU business student Charlie Trafford trades in his soccer kit to co-found Trafford Farms.

‘We chose to invest in me and in AU’

Class of 2025 grad Wesley Weber wanted to further his education and show his five children and three grandkids that it’s never too late to go back to school.

athabasca region

55 years of excellence like no other: Athabasca University’s history in pictures

See Athabasca University's evolution from its founding in 1970 to its roots in distance education and now as an open online university like no other.

‘I couldn’t leave the community.’ Chief Tammy Cook-Searson misses convocation to lead Lac La Ronge Indian Band during wildfire evacuation

Class of 2025 MBA grad helped oversee the evacuation of 8,500 people as wildfires raged in northern Saskatchewan.

A class act: Meet Athabasca University’s Class of 2025

Athabasca University graduates are realizing their highest contributions locally and globally.

AU celebrates 2025 Governor General’s Silver Medal winner

Bachelor of Science grad Supun De Silva was honoured as Athabasca University’s top undergraduate in the Class of 2025.

Science grad’s ‘storybook’ journey leads to new career and academic opportunities

Athabasca University Class of 2025 grad Robert Schmidt faced barriers to education his whole life. With his first degree at 53, he’s starting his post-secondary journey in earnest.

Two-time Olympian checks off another goal: AU grad

Dahria Beatty spent 16 years working toward her Olympic dream. Now she’s about to cap 12 years of part-time study at Athabasca University.

‘This is my second chance at life’: Grad rediscovers Indigenous roots, becomes first in her family to earn a degree

Master of Health Studies grad Kethra Stewart hit rock bottom in her 20s. Today, she’s an Indigenous scholar, musician, triathlete, and role model to her daughter.

MBA grad's search for connection sparks networking app startup

MBA grad James McInnes has long searched for his purpose. Now he's found it and is helping others make genuine, real-world connections.

Business student’s startup helps families connect to past through DNA genealogy

AU Bachelor of Management grad and Trouvay founder Bradley Pierson is on a mission to help families trace their roots, find truths.

I’m a better nurse, educator, and leader thanks to AU

Master of Nursing – Generalist Class of 2025 grad Nikki Nandlal shares how online learning at AU has empowered her to help improve patient care.

Students share why AU STEM programs are a great fit for women

Women studying sciences at Athabasca University share their perspectives on International Women’s Day.

‘Hard work and determination pays off,’ says future HR leader

Business student Amber Weavell shares how her children are her biggest motivators in pursuing online learning at AU.

Graduate Student Research Conference aims to make the world a better place to live through knowledge

Recap of the Athabasca University 2024 Graduate Student Research Conference. This year's theme was "Research with Impact."

Student using virtual reality to share knowledge of making ribbon skirts

Athabasca University student Twylla Soosay's master's thesis involves creating a virtual-reality lesson on how to make a ribbon skirt.

Here’s how 4 undergraduate science students published their research

Publishing academic work isn't just for grad students! Learn how these 4 science undergraduates got their work published in academic journals.

Athabasca University Convocation 2024 in pictures

On June 19 and 20, the Athabasca University community celebrated a new class of grads. Here are some of the memories of convocation in photos.

That’s a wrap on a convocation like no other!

Athabasca University (AU) convocation returned triumphantly to Athabasca and brought graduates from across Canada to celebrate.

AU grad balances high-level academics with high-level athletics

AU grad Andrei Afilipoaei continued to play tennis professionally while earning 35 A-plusses and publishing research as an undergraduate.

Family the foundation of nursing grad’s global journey and success

Christine Zuwe dreamed of a life free of poverty. Now, the Athabasca University grad from Uganda is the first in her family to get a degree.

From Athabasca to Baton Rouge, DBA grad explores dual passions of running, volunteerism

As a kid, Dr. Meggan Franks was more comfortable running the trails than sitting in a classroom, but her running carried her to a doctorate.

Counselling grad fights against human trafficking

Athabasca University Master of Counselling grad Linea Xaysana has dedicated much of her career to ending human trafficking.

6 things to consider when writing your Athabasca University exam with ProctorU

For many, taking online exams is a new experience. Review these tips before booking your online AU exam so you know what to expect!

3 tips for managing holiday stress as an online learner

Tips from Athabasca University Counselling Services to help leaners manage stress during one of the most stressful times of year.

How online and remote nursing education can help treat Alberta’s ailing health-care system

Athabasca University teaches the most nursing undergrads and nurse practitioners in Canada, and is a key partner in improving health-care.

Students present findings at annual Graduate Student Research Conference

AU students had an opportunity to network and share research findings and insights at the 12th annual Graduate Student Research Conference.

Master of Nursing grad shines light on gaps in Indigenous health care

Michelle Monkman (Master of Nursing ’23) has made it a lifelong goal to improve the health of people in Indigenous communities.

AU grad found flexibility in online Master of Science program

Athabasca University grad Uilani Ballay has proven you can earn a Master of Science in Information Systems from anywhere, on the go.

undergraduate

How distance learning made STEM education dreams a reality

Athabasca University student Westcott Louden recovered from financial setbacks to pursue a distance education in STEM

Commerce grad proves it’s never too late to turn life around

Learn how Kira Steele found sobriety and used online learning to change her life—and the lives of so many others.

Photo gallery: Athabasca University welcomes home Class of 2023

Graduates of the Class of 2023 and their families enjoyed a special homecoming event at Athabasca University campus.

Finding strength to succeed: How an AU grad went from homeless and hopeless to HR pro, mom, and bodybuilder

Learn how Athabasca University's online MBA grad Celia Koehler overcame homelessness and addiction before turning her life around.

Distance learning on the go

Athabasca University grad Uilani Ballay has proven you can earn a degree from anywhere, including on a 3-month cross-country trip.

HR pro and powerlifter raises the bar with Bachelor of Management degree

Athabasca University Class of 2023 grad Shauna Hammer shares her inspiring journey of personal and professional growth in HR and powerlifting!

MBA grad grows as leader, community builder

Learn how Athabasca University's flexible online MBA helped Laurie Wang learn at her own pace, balancing family, studies, and career.

How AU grad Kira Steele created community through sobriety

After finding sobriety, AU Class of 2023 grad Kira Steele has created safe spaces to help Calgarians overcome addictions.

How gender-creative parenting supports child gender health

Athabasca University Master of Counselling student and 3MT winner studies gender-creative parenting to support children’s gender health.

Grad student studies long-term respiratory effects of COVID-19

Athabasca University Master of Nursing student Cameron Albright is studying the long-term respiratory effects of COVID-19.

AU allowed me to pursue counselling degree from rural Manitoba

Athabasca University Master of Counselling grad Cara Zaharychuk enjoyed learning online and studying from her home in rural Manitoba.

Making fat neutral—the human experience isn’t one-size-fits-all

Fat is not a bad word and AU student and 2022 Three Minute Thesis competition winner Karli Jahn is working hard to destigmatize it.

AU allows me to advance my nursing skills from my rural farm

Karlie Strand chose Athabasca University's LPN to Bachelor of Nursing program so she could advance her career as a nurse.

Nurse practitioner student wants to ‘do more’ for rural health care

Chantelle Gray of Grande Prairie wants to become a nurse practitioner so that she can do more to help patients and health care in Alberta.

How I pursued an online Master of Nursing degree from the Caribbean

Jennifer Kirk is close to completing an online Master of Nursing degree thanks to Athabasca University's distance learning.

Health-care career grows, thanks to online Master of Health Studies

Rachel Solomon's health-care career has grown since enrolling in Athabasca University's Master of Health Studies program.

Nursing student finds balance with Athabasca University

Manmeet Kaur has found balance in her life while studying nursing at Athabasca University, raising a family, and volunteering.

Bachelor of Commerce student finds success at AU amid life-and-death fight with cancer

When an aggressive cancer threatened his life, Mitchell Ryan Shaw turned to Athabasca University so he could continue his education.

Athabasca University provides path to career as therapist

Victoria Lang shares why she chose Athabasca University to pursue her dream of a career in family psychology.

How an AU grad found a second career in data analytics

Wes Sauder has found his calling in the growing industry of data analytics thanks to online learning at Athabasca University.

Research conference inspires and motivates grad students

The 11th annual Athabasca University Graduate Student Research Conference was held virtually on Oct. 14 and 15, 2022. Learn about the top 3 abstract winners.

Preparing for life after hockey

Former NHLers Andrew Crescenzi and Patrick Russell share how online learning at Athabasca University is preparing them for life after hockey.