Student success

Hear from real AU students about why open, online learning is right for them to help achieve their life and career goals—for themselves and their families.

Loading posts

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.

convocation

‘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.

convocation

‘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.

convocation

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

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

convocation

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.

convocation

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.

convocation

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.

convocation

‘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.

convocation

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.

convocation

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.

convocation

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

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.

students

‘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

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.

research

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."

research

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.

research

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.

convocation

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.

convocation

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.

convocation

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.

convocation

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.

convocation

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.

convocation

Counselling grad fights against human trafficking

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

students

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!

students

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.

students

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.

graduate

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.

convocation

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.

students

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

students

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.

convocation

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.

convocation

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.

convocation

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.

convocation

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!

convocation

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.

convocation

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.

graduate

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.

research

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.

graduate

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.

graduate

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.

students

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.

students

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.

students

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.

students

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.

students

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.

students

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.

students

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.

students

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.

graduate

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.

students

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.

students

How to earn a degree in 15 months

How quickly can you finish a degree at Athabasca University (AU)? If you have enough passion and drive, as little as 15 months.

Student success

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

AU helped me break barriers as the first in my family to attend university

AU helped me find meaningful work in anthropology

‘We chose to invest in me and in AU’

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

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

‘I wanted to prove I still had it,’ writes AU grad and senior

A celebration like no other: Highlights from Convocation 2025

Athabasca University Convocation 2025 in pictures

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

AU celebrates 2025 Governor General’s Gold Medal winner

Perseverance and the power of support: How an AU grad achieved a goal 35 years in the making

AU celebrates 2025 Governor General’s Silver Medal winner

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

Two-time Olympian checks off another goal: AU grad

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

I have a healthy future thanks to AU, says eldest grad in Class of 2025

MBA grad's search for connection sparks networking app startup

‘AU didn’t just open the door to higher education—it welcomed me in,’ says communication grad

AU grad finds her calling in heritage work

AU grad one of the youngest elected officials in Canadian history

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

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

AU has helped me grow as an educator

Only AU lets me fast-track uni while still in high school

I started studying at AU at 16, and the transition from homeschool has been seamless

Why self-paced online learning is ‘a perfect fit’ for me—and for other mature students

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

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

Higher education ‘a lifelong dream’ for MAIS student

3MT competition a learning opportunity for graduate students

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

Student using virtual reality to share knowledge of making ribbon skirts

Here’s how 4 undergraduate science students published their research

How AU helped me connect with family history

Athabasca University Convocation 2024 in pictures

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

Celebrating AU’s Governor General’s medal winners

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

Applying the world’s natural rhythms to remote education in Canada’s North

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

Meet the Class of 2024

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

Grad turns to AU to ‘fix my brain’ after traumatic injury

Counselling grad fights against human trafficking

AU helped me overcome university anxiety—and earn a master's in education

‘I never felt alone’ at AU, says grad and future teacher

How Athabasca University's flexible courses reignited my passion for learning

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

3 tips for managing holiday stress as an online learner

AU experience a ‘win-win’ for psychology major

Flexible learning at AU a 'game changer' for world traveller

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

Students present findings at annual Graduate Student Research Conference

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

AU grad found flexibility in online Master of Science program

How distance learning made STEM education dreams a reality

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

AU student among world’s best at Map the System finals

Athabasca University convocation in pictures

Bringing Athabasca University convocation north of the Arctic Circle

That's a wrap on Athabasca University Convocation 2023!

Photo gallery: Athabasca University welcomes home Class of 2023

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

Celebrating AU’s 2023 Governor General’s medal winners

Education grad finds creative spark in e-learning

Drugs, heartache, and homelessness: An AU grad’s journey from the dark

Distance learning on the go

Tuktoyaktuk school principal masters remote learning from Canada’s North

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

MBA grad grows as leader, community builder

How AU grad Kira Steele created community through sobriety

Grad overcomes cancer while earning English degree, raising family

How gender-creative parenting supports child gender health

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

Athabasca University’s HR program a 'perfect match’

How AU transformed my life and career in human resources

Finding purpose in learning after PTSD, Navy career

AU allowed me to pursue counselling degree from rural Manitoba